The 2025 NHL offseason is underway following the Florida Panthers’ successful Stanley Cup defense. Teams are still assessing their rosters ahead of the NHL Draft. And this includes the Calgary Flames, who have an interesting trade chip in Rasmus Andersson.
The Flames had the chance to trade Andersson at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. However, Calgary was competing for the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the time. They elected not to trade the 28-year-old, and push for a spot in the postseason.
Calgary ultimately came up short, missing the postseason by virtue of a tiebreaker. Still, the Flames finished with 96 points. Extending Andersson seems to be the most logical step for both sides.
Unfortunately, it does not appear as if this is the case anymore. The two sides did not have a positive experience when discussing a contract extension, according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. And it appears the Flames are willing to move on.
“The Flames still have Andersson under contract for another year and are comfortable having him play for them next season, but at the same time, my understanding is that GM Craig Conroy is now ready to listen on trade offers for the veteran right-shot defenseman. Whether that’s a trade that happens this summer or waits until the deadline, both are on the table,” LeBrun wrote.
How Rasmus Andersson Feels About Potential Trade
Minas Panagiotakis/Getty ImagesCalgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is the subject of offseason trade rumors.
Andersson has value around the NHL given what teams are looking for. They want righ-shot defenders who can make an impact on the top-four. The Flames defender checks these boxes.
Potentially complicating matters is his modified no-trade clause. He has a six-team no trade clause, providing some control over his future. According to recent reports, though, Andersson is open to a move at this point.
“On Rasmus Andersson: the feeling across the league is the talented defenceman is ready for something new. I believe the Flames are willing, but only when they get what they want. There’s significant interest, which helps,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wrote in his 32 Thoughts blog.
Potential Landing Spots for Flames’ Andersson
There are a number of teams that could use the 28-year-old on their blueline. LeBrun mentioned the Dallas Stars as one potential option. However, The Athletic’s NHL insider also pointed out that Dallas’s cap situation could make it difficult.
A team like the aforementioned Panthers are another possibility. Florida could lose Aaron Ekblad to free agency this summer. Trading for Andersson gives them a player who can immediately replace Ekblad in the top-four. And he may not cost as much as Ekblad on his next contract.
Overall, it’s hard to pinpoint how this situation will play out. The NHL offseason is less than a week old at this point. Things can change as the summer rolls along. The Flames and Andersson could re-engage in contract talks and let cooler heads prevail. In any event, Calgary fans will certainly want to keep an eye on this over the next few months as the offseason progresses.
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