Leading the 5-1-1 Calgary Flames in scoring to start this season, Rasmus Andersson is off to a phenomenal start. The 27-year-old right-shot defenceman has been a big part of the Flames’ early season success. He’s shown off his full range of offensive skill, from his point-shot to skating and even a beautiful individual effort against the Oilers.
Andersson’s hot start has been exciting to watch as fans. However, it brings up questions about his future in Calgary.
An Uncertain Future
A 2015 second-round draft pick of the Flames. Andersson has grown from a promising young prospect to a consistent top-four contributor in Calgary. He plays a versatile game, contributing offensively, bringing physicality, and being reliable defensively. Although he’s not turned into a superstar top-pairing defenceman, he’s established himself as a clear top-four player. Andersson has two years remaining at 4.55 million AAV on his contract. All these positive attributes and a very manageable contract make Andersson an attractive asset. The Flames could look to use Andersson to further their rebuild. However, these very same attributes and the fact Andersson is only 27 make a positive case that the Flames should lock him up long-term.
The Case For An Extension
The Flames traded out three of their top five defencemen during last season as they fully embraced their rebuild. The current roster features only two true top-four defencemen, Mackenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson. Even as the Flames look to bring in and develop young defenceman, they still need some players that can do what Andersson does. They need some veterans to help play in the tough situations while their young players learn to play in the NHL. Not to mention that even though fans are excited about the likes of Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz, having all your draft picks reach their projected potential is very unlikely.
At 27 years old Andersson is still young enough to be in his prime when the Flames are hoping to be competing again. Andersson has developed into a leader in the Flames locker room. He has all the tools to be the type of player that is leaned on during a long playoff run.
The Case For Trading
Every trade deadline we hear about how the top teams in the league are looking to add a defenceman. The Flames Andersson has an extremely tradable contract. If the Flames decided to move off of Andersson, there would surely be many interested teams. The return for a player like Andersson would surely be substantial. Last season the Flames traded Noah Hanifin, a defenceman who is the same age as Andersson and who was on an expiring deal. In exchange, Calgary received a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, defenceman Daniil Miromanov and a conditional third-round pick in the 2025 draft from Vegas. A trade for Andersson would presumably yield a similar, perhaps slightly better return.
Two of the Flames most exciting prospects, defencemen Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz are both right-shot defeceman. Add that to the fact that Mackenzie Weegar is also right-handed and the case for moving out Andersson gets a little bit stronger.
The Likely Future
As with almost everything in life this conversation will come down to money. If the Flames can lock up Andersson at a reasonable dollar figure the smart move would be to do so. However, if a team who is desperate for a top-four defenceman offers Flames general manager Craig Conroy a premium package he would be foolish to turn it down.
If Andersson continues to play the way he has to start the season he help drive up his price eventually leading to his trade. It will be fun to watch this season as Andersson’s long-term future in Calgary remains unknown.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
