The Sabres should be calling the Flames about this defenseman.
The Sabres should be calling the Flames about this defenseman.
The Buffalo Sabres are heading into the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline as a team to watch. They are naturally expected to sell off some of their pending UFAs, but there's also a feeling that they will look to add to their roster if it benefits them beyond this season.
Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames are gearing up to be sellers. Two of their top trade candidates are pending UFAs Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev. However, according to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is now starting to generate trade interest around the league. He's exactly the kind of defenseman whom the Sabres should be targeting.
Andersson, 27, carries a $4.5 million cap hit until the completion of the 2025-26 season. Because of this, he would be much more than a rental for the Sabres. This naturally adds to his appeal immensely.
Andersson would give the Sabres a significant boost on their right side, which is a serious need for them. When looking at a possible spot for him in their lineup, he would form a strong top pairing with All-Star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Yes, a Rasmus-Rasmus D pairing.
Andersson would be a major addition to the Sabres' roster, as he plays a steady game defensively, contributes offensively, and is a blocking machine. In 50 games this season, he has seven goals, 28 points, 121 blocks, and a plus-3 rating.
While it has not been established if the Flames are officially looking to move Andersson, the Sabres need to be among the teams calling. The fit, at least on paper, is there.
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