The Calgary Flames are on the verge of a significant shakeup as the NHL trade market heats up ahead of the Olympic break. General Manager Craig Conroy has made it clear that the team is committed to a "hybuild" – a hybrid rebuild – and the next phase of this construction is about to begin. With the Flames sitting outside the playoff picture, several reports suggest that defenseman Rasmus Andersson is likely to be traded soon.

Andersson, a right-shot defenseman, has been a mainstay in the Flames' lineup. However, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and the Flames seemingly heading towards a rebuild, trading Andersson makes sense. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and others have indicated that a trade could happen before the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in February. Flames radio voice Pat Steinberg suggested that a deal could be done within the next 24-48 hours.

Several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Andersson, including the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Dallas Stars. The asking price for Andersson is reportedly a first-round draft pick and a high-end prospect who is already contributing at the professional level.

Here are some potential trade scenarios that have been circulating:

• Boston Bruins: The Bruins have reportedly offered a package that includes young defenseman Mason Lohrei and a 2026 first-round pick. FlamesNation reports that if the Flames find this offer enticing, Andersson would already be on his way to Boston. However, they also suggest the Bruins need to up their offer to get the deal done.
• Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings have also shown interest in Andersson, but they would need to know his contract extension demands before making a deal. A potential package could involve top center prospect Nate Danielson and a 2027 first-round pick. To make the deal work, Calgary would likely need to retain 50% of Andersson's salary.
• Dallas Stars: The Stars have the depth to make a move, and forward Mavrik Bourque has been identified as a player Conroy is interested in. The Stars have cleared cap space by trading Matt Dumba and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Vladislav Kolyachonok.

Other teams that have been mentioned as potential suitors include the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs. However, some analysts doubt whether these teams are willing or able to meet Conroy's high asking price.

One major factor complicating negotiations is the possibility of a contract extension. Teams like Detroit and Boston are hesitant to give up valuable assets for a rental player. Any major deal will likely depend on Andersson agreeing to an extension with his new team.

The Flames are aiming to complete a trade before the Olympic break to dictate the market terms. By moving early, they hope to avoid the desperation that often sets in on deadline day. If they can get a first-round pick and a young player like Danielson or Lohrei for Andersson, it would provide a solid base for their "hybuild".