Golden Knights snag Rasmus Andersson, leaving Red Wings searching for defensive reinforcements amid a reshaped trade landscape.
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that reshapes the trade market and represents a missed opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings.
The return to Calgary includes defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Vegas’s 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2027 second-round pick that escalates to a 2026 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and the rights to unsigned defenseman Abram Wiebe.
The Golden Knights do not have a contract extension in place with Andersson, and the Flames are retaining 50 per cent of his salary for the remainder of the season.
The deal takes one of the top available defensemen off the market. Detroit was among the teams believed to be in the mix for Andersson, who had drawn significant league-wide interest as one of the most attractive blueliners potentially available via trade.
Despite playing on a middle to bottom tier Flames team, Andersson has delivered strong results this season. The 27 year old has produced 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games, along with a plus one rating.
A former 46 point defenseman, Andersson has consistently posted between 30 and 40 points per season while logging heavy minutes. He brings a physical element, reliability, and steady two way play that appealed to teams looking to strengthen their blue line.
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For Vegas, the move adds a proven top four defenseman with offensive upside and playoff experience to an already deep roster as the Golden Knights gear up for another postseason run.
For Detroit, missing out on Andersson is a notable setback. The Red Wings have been actively exploring upgrades on defense as they push to solidify their roster and remain competitive in the playoff race.
While Andersson is no longer an option, Detroit continues to monitor the market for other opportunities to address its blue line needs.
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