The trade winds are swirling around Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, with one team reportedly on the verge of securing a deal. As the February 4th Olympic roster freeze approaches, the Flames are keen to finalize a trade for the 29-year-old Swede, aiming to avoid any injury risk during the Milano Cortina Games that could potentially derail ongoing negotiations.
Andersson's future with the Flames has been a topic of speculation for months, particularly with him approaching unrestricted free agency in July. While Andersson has expressed his love for Calgary, he also recognizes the business side of hockey and the need for a deal that benefits both him and the organization.
TSN's Darren Dreger reports that four teams remain in contention for Andersson, evenly split between the Eastern and Western Conferences. While Dreger named the Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights as strong contenders, the other two teams remain undisclosed.
The Boston Bruins have reportedly made an aggressive push, offering defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick for Andersson. The Bruins possess two first-round selections in the 2026 draft, thanks to a previous trade with Toronto, providing them with ammunition to land Andersson. However, reports indicate a potential snag: Andersson might be hesitant to sign a contract extension with Boston, which could halt negotiations. Boston is unlikely to proceed without assurances of a long-term commitment from the player.
The Vegas Golden Knights have long been linked to Andersson, with discussions dating back to the offseason. Their status as a Stanley Cup contender and solid league record make them an attractive destination for free agents. The Dallas Stars, another Western Conference powerhouse, have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot.
Calgary is reportedly seeking a first-round pick and a first-round caliber prospect or player in return for Andersson. This suggests they are looking for a young player who was either drafted in the first round or is considered to have first-round potential.
Andersson has been a key player for the Flames, averaging a team-high 24:12 of ice time this season and recording 10 goals and 29 points in 47 games. Drafted by the Flames in 2015, he has accumulated 57 goals and 260 points in 583 career games. His departure would mark the end of an era for the Flames, as he has spent his entire NHL career with the team.
As the trade deadline looms, the Flames are prioritizing a deal before Andersson represents Sweden at the Olympics. The coming days will be crucial in determining where the skilled defenseman will continue his NHL career.
