Rasmus Andersson might be the next logical piece of the Calgary Flames' recent sell-off. As the Flames rebuild by trading key players for draft picks and younger talent, Andersson's role and future with the team is questionable.
Rasmus Andersson is a player the Calgary Flames would want on a competitive, playoff-bound roster. However, with the team likely far from contention in the 2024-25 season, exploring trade options for the defenseman is the most sensible course of action.
Andersson is a versatile defender and notable pot-stirrer. With 138 points in 239 games, his offense isn't too shabby either. Scoring 50 points in 82 games, his breakout season came in 2021-22 and he's grown into a regular NHLer. He's someone who has tried to take advantage of every opportunity given, even if he's faced a few obstacles along the way.
His performance last season was affected by a scooter accident and the Flames' choice to sell off much of the roster during the 2023-24 season. The Flames traded Tyler Toffoli, Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Jacob Markstrom. Their focus was on acquiring draft picks, prospects, and younger players.
Andersson needed time to recover, and the absence of several star teammates likely impacted his season. As a result, questions remain about his role and how important his staying put is to the franchise's future.
If Andersson Starts To Produce, His Contract Is Extremely Tradeable
As the Flames move toward a definitive rebuild, the organization should consider what teams might offer if Andersson becomes available.
Andersson has two years remaining on his contract with a $4.55 million cap hit, making him a highly tradeable asset. So too, as he approaches unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026, a bounceback season means he is likely to seek a substantial contract. The timing might be ideal to sell high.
The Flames could decide to trade Andersson now or later depending on his performance this season and where they believe they are at in their rebuild/retool. If he rebounds from last year's disappointing performance, his trade value could rise by the deadline. On the other hand, if he continues to struggle, it may be wiser to trade him sooner. Given his age, right-shot capability, and affordable cap hit, many playoff teams would be interested in acquiring him for multiple playoff runs.
The Flames must also consider their long-term plans. With up-and-coming talent like Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz, dedicating significant cap space to an aging Andersson might not be prudent.
Ultimately, it would be wise for the Flames to test the market and see if Andersson holds significant trade value. If the right offer arises, GM Craig Conroy could capitalize on the opportunity to sell high. However, there's no rush to trade him unless the deal significantly benefits the Flames' rebuilding efforts.