Rasmus Andersson Sends a Message to His Former Flames Fanbase

Rasmus Andersson has moved on from Calgary, but he hasn't stopped caring about the people he left behind.

As the Flames stumble through the early stages of a rebuild, the former Calgary defenceman has a message for fans: have faith.

Andersson spent nine seasons with the Flames before joining the Vegas Golden Knights, giving him plenty of firsthand experience with the expectations that come with playing in Calgary. He knows how much the team means to the city, which is why watching it struggle isn't easy.

But speaking with Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, Andersson pointed to a reality that can get lost when losses start piling up. Calgary made the decision to rebuild, and that process was never going to be pretty from the start.

“You just can't have it both ways,” Andersson said, addressing fans calling for changes amid the team's disastrous opening stretch.

The Flames have stumbled out of the gate, going 1-6 through their first seven games. They’ve scored just 14 goals, the second-fewest in the league ahead of only the Los Angeles Kings (11), while their 35 goals against are also the second-most, trailing only the Vancouver Canucks (41).

The 29-year-old isn't dismissing the frustration. He's simply reminding supporters that building a contender takes more than a few good weeks, particularly when a roster is going through significant changes.

Andersson still keeps tabs on his old club, even if he doesn't follow the day-to-day conversation as closely as he did while playing there. Seeing familiar faces in a very different lineup has been an adjustment, but his feelings toward the organization haven't changed.

He remains in touch with his former teammates and the coaching staff, while hoping to see Calgary’s younger players develop into established NHL talents. The bonds he formed during his nine years with the Flames haven’t faded just because he’s moved on.

“They’re all gonna be friends for the rest of my life,” Andersson said.

Life in Las Vegas has treated him and his family well. He signed a seven-year, $59.5-million contract this summer and is settling into his new surroundings, but Calgary hasn't become just another stop in his career.

The Scotiabank Saddledome, where his son took his first strides on skates, still holds plenty of memories. With the Flames nearing the end of their time in the building, Andersson is looking forward to returning in February.

He may be on the other side now, but there's no hard feeling toward Calgary. If anything, he wants to see the rebuild work — and give the fans who supported him for nine years a reason to celebrate again.