The 2025-26 season is just around the corner, and with training camp about to start, the Calgary Flames’ offseason hasn’t exactly been the most newsworthy. The team made little to no moves over the summer, yet the news surrounding one particular player has been prominent. All indications suggest that Rasmus Andersson will be starting the season in Calgary, despite all the rumors that he would be traded during the summer. The 28-year-old defenceman will be a UFA in 2026, so a trade is imminent; it’s just a matter of when.
In this article, I want to go over some of the pros and cons of Andersson starting the season with the Flames. We don’t know when he’ll be traded, but as of now, the Flames are completely fine with having Andersson in their opening night lineup.
Pros for Andersson starting with the Flames
Now I’m going to be honest here: I personally don’t see many benefits surrounding Andersson starting the season with the team. With that being said, I’ll try to gain the perspective of people who believe this is a positive despite many of the fanbase disagreeing.
A bounce-back season is possible with the Flames
Let’s face it: there were many times last season when Andersson didn’t look like himself. A new season obviously gives him the chance to start fresh, assuming he’s healthy. He’ll be looked upon as one of the Flames’ top defenders, so a bounce-back performance could definitely be in the cards.
There’s also the fact that since Andersson is a pending UFA, he’d be motivated to play well to earn himself a nice pay raise next offseason. With the start of every new season, it’s a clean slate. Hopefully Andersson starts strong, as it’ll benefit the team and himself
Andersson will be the top player on the trade market
Now with Andersson still being a Flame, the team clearly didn’t get the offers they wanted, or Andersson wouldn’t agree to certain trades due to his six-team NMC. If Andersson is motivated to bounce back, his trade value will only increase.
There’s also the fact that potentially, if Andersson plays well, the demand for his services will only get higher. It may get to the point where a team will give up premium assets for Andersson just as a rental rather than having him extended. But that also means that the pressure on Andersson will be strong, and time will tell whether that has a positive or negative effect on his play.
Andersson could help a potential playoff push
Now I’ve seen this argument get thrown around by a small minority of the Flames’ fanbase. Having Andersson on the roster will obviously make the team better on paper. It’s clear this team has the desire to make the playoffs, and Andersson would help with that. With that being said, the question is whether Andersson is even on the roster in a playoff situation, or is he shipped out before then?
Cons for Andersson starting with the Flames
Now for the cons. If you’ve been reading my previous articles, you’d know I’m a big advocate for Andersson being traded before training camp. But with it being August 31st, the likelihood of that happening is low. Here are the cons surrounding Andersson starting the season in Calgary, and why I think it’s a big mistake.
It’s risky. Very risky.
Carrying Andersson into the season when he’s a pending UFA is a major risk for the team. While there is the chance that it could pay off, the chances of it going downhill are also there.
What if Andersson gets injured? Or if he has had a down year? What if he only wants to go to teams that offer minimal returns at best? There’s a reason why Flames fans keep comparing this situation to the predicament the Flames had with Noah Hanifin two seasons ago. If Andersson handcuffs the team like Hanifin did, expect a very underwhelming return.
From what certain reports have suggested, it seems like that is already happening. Andersson has already rejected trades to multiple teams, and those teams aren’t going to give their best offers if the player doesn’t agree to extend. While it’s possible Andersson starts the year strong, if he has another down season or his health isn’t in check, then disaster will strike.
It’s a huge distraction for the team
Whether the players will admit it or not, Andersson starting the season with the Flames is bound to be a distraction for the team. Andersson’s name pops up in every news headline, and the media seemingly can’t stop asking questions about him. Flames captain Mikeal Backlund even commented on the situation, stating that Andersson will very likely get traded, but it won’t be a distraction for the rest of the team. I disagree.
Knowing that there’s a player on your team with one foot out the door isn’t exactly optimal. It doesn’t matter what the Flames say; the media will still cover this storyline like vultures surrounding a carcass. It also contradicts how the Flames don’t want any distractions on their team, like in 2023-24. Until Andersson is shipped out, expect his name to appear in news headlines frequently.
Andersson’s camp will just have more power
It’s well known as this point that Andersson only has a small list of teams he prefers to go to. This only makes things worse for the Flames if they keep dragging this situation on.
If Andersson is adamant on only accepting a trade to the teams on his list, then the Flames’ chances of getting a good return decrease. It’s also important to note that with the 2026 Draft expected to have an elite draft class, teams may not be willing to part with major assets like first-round picks. There’s also the risk that with teams knowing Andersson is a pending UFA, they’ll give lowball offers to the Flames, as they don’t want to lose the player for nothing.
It’s not an ideal situation at all, as I believe this season will be a buyer’s market. Considering Andersson is the Flames’ biggest trade asset right now, they can’t afford to get a mediocre return for him.
Flames’ offseason has confused fans
While the NHL in general hasn’t seen much offseason action, the Flames not doing anything is quite bizarre. This team will be depending on bounce-back performances from many of their players, as well as Dustin Wolf holding the fort.
The whole Andersson situation specifically has exhausted the fanbase a lot. Let’s hope a resolution is reached sooner rather than later, but my expectations at this point are not high. I hope I’m wrong.
