In the hours leading up to NHL free agency, many of the top impending free agents re-signed with their clubs rather than testing the open market. It’s shifted the spotlight to trades, with clubs eyeing Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Flames and Vegas Golden Knights have engaged in “numerous discussions” in recent days regarding a deal for the 28-year-old defenseman. While nothing is close, Andersson is reportedly providing Vegas with some leverage.
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- Rasmus Andersson stats: 31 points (20 assists, 11 goals), 9 power play points (6 assists, 3 goals), 196 blocks, 36 hits, 30 takeaways
The 6-foot-1 defenseman has drawn significant trade interest this summer. According to LeBrun, Calgary has fielded trade calls from the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, and other unnamed clubs. However, Andersson wasn’t willing to sign a contract extension with any of them.
Instead, he has made it clear that, for now, the Golden Knights are the only known team he is willing to sign a contract extension with. It provides Vegas with some leverage in trade negotiations, especially since other interested clubs won’t trade as much to Calgary if he’ll only be a one-season rental.
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- Rasmus Andersson contract (PuckPedia): $4.55 million cap hit (2025-26), unrestricted free agent in 2026
Calgary is reportedly open to keeping Andersson through the offseason and then moving him ahead of the NHL trade deadline. However, the team also reportedly wants to add a top-four defenseman this summer in free agency, which isn’t as doable if Andersson remains.
The Flames already own the Golden Knights’ first-round pick in 2026, and Vegas just moved a potential trade chip (Nicolas Hague) to the Nashville Predators. Further complicating matters, the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade leaves Vegas without the cap room to extend Andersson.
Nothing is imminent, and other clubs will likely continue to engage in talks with the Flames’ front office, with the hope that Andersson is open to signing a contract extension with another club. For now, it seems likely that Andersson will either stay in Calgary or be traded to Vegas.
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