It seems there’s a rumour a brewing from the home of The Stampede. Going around the NHL, with rumours from the Calgary Flames, it seems that one of their veteran defence is available. And when it is the likes of Rasmus Andersson, it’s kind of a big deal.
Elliotte Friedman: Feeling around the league is Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is "ready for something new"; Flames willing to deal him "only when they get what they want", there's "significant interest" – Sportsnet
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 21, 2025
NHL Rumours
The Latest Calgary’s Rugged Defenceman Rasum Andersson
Rumour: Today’s rumours come from the main inside man himself Elliotte Friedman. However, many are weighing in, as Frank Seravalli also provides his two cents.
#Flames and Rasmus Andersson's camp shared $ figures recently and it's fair to say they're not on the same page, as expected.
Calgary is happy to keep him and auction arguably the premier right-shot D option at the deadline.
But he's also available now:https://t.co/CS1thrcmbT
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 20, 2025
Analysis: It is true that Andersson’s situation in Calgary has flip-flopped over the years from being the source of trade rumours, but also between being the type of veteran that could help lead the Flames own defence.
It is interesting that despite all the change that the roster has gone through over the past few seasons that the team has remained very competitive. Losing the likes of Noah Hanifin, Nikita Zadorov, and Jacob Markstrom from a defensive standpoint alone is a huge shift in a team’s dynamic. The Flames were in the mix for a post-season spot, but ultimately fell short of that lofty goal.
Moreover, potentially moving on from Andersson is a further indication that a rebuild is more the direction the team is headed at this current time. Opposed to say, shifting to a more retooling type approach. Trading Andersson would likely get the Flames some assets to work with moving forward.
The reason we are discussing the trade approach, was based on Seravalli’s comments. Once July 1st hits, and Andersson would be eligible for a contract extension, Calgary could look to re-sign him. However, it sounds like there is a disconnect on his fair-market valuation.
What It Means
The idea where it all makes sense, is that teams that are looking to improve their defence are a plenty. You could use any of the three Canadian teams from the east making use of a guy like Andersson’s services as prime examples. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens would love to get their hands on the Swede.
Andersson also played under Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving, who originally drafted Andersson. There’s no secret that the Leafs need to make some improvements on the blueliner. Treliving is familiary with Andersson and could try to make a reunion happen.
Being a 28-year-old, tough defensively, right shot defenceman with experience in a top-line role, are all invaluable intangibles. It’s almost a scenario of where he wants to play. He has one year left at $4.55 million, which is a good value if a team wants to trade for him. This year could be an audition for a bigger payday when his next deal comes up.
So if he does ultimately want to get traded, it does come down too deciding where he wants to go. His contract currently carries with it a six-team, no trade clause. He has some sway in his future, but Flames general manager Craig Conroy does hold some of the cards.
Main photo by: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
