The Detroit Red Wings have made a handful of additions this summer. They most notably acquired goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks in a significant trade. They also improved their depth by signing Mason Appleton, James van Riemsdyk, Travis Hamonic, and Jacob Bernard-Docker.
However, with the Red Wings looking to become a playoff team in 2025-26, they should not be done yet. Their right side of their defense, in particular, could use a serious boost. The Calgary Flames have an interesting target to consider in star defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Heavy Sports has a new trade proposal that has Calgary trading Andersson to Detroit in a major off-season swap.
Red Wings Get:
- Rasmus Andersson
Flames Get
- 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)
- Jonatan Berggren
- William Wallinder
Rasmus Andersson Is a Prime Trade Candidate
With Andersson entering the final year of his deal, he has been one of the most-talked-about trade candidates in the NHL this summer. The Flames being in the middle of a retool has also created plenty of questions about Andersson’s future in Calgary.
In their latest Summer Trade Watch List, The Fourth Period has Andersson at the No. 3 spot and reported that the Flames are open to trading him for the right offer.
“It does not sound like Andersson and the Flames will be coming to terms on a contract extension,” The Fourth Period reported. “He has one year remaining on his current deal, and trade talks have picked up. There is solid interest in Andersson and Flames GM Craig Conroy is trying to maximize a return, be it this off-season or leading up to the trade deadline.
With Andersson being a legitimate top-four defenseman with an affordable $4.55 million cap hit, it makes sense that he is generating interest. Both of these elements make him exactly the defenseman the Red Wings should be targeting.
Red Wings Among Teams Linked to Andersson
The Fourth Period also reported on their Summer Trade Watch List that the Red Wings are linked to Andersson. This is not surprising in the slightest, as the Red Wings need serious help on the right side of their defense. Bringing in a proven veteran like Andersson would give the Red Wings just that.
If the Red Wings acquired Andersson, he would be a significant upgrade to the right side of their second pairing. Furthermore, due to his strong two-way play, he would be a big addition to Detroit’s power play and penalty kill.
With the Red Wings looking to take that next step, bringing in a talented blueliner like Andersson would be fantastic. There are not too many better right-shot defenseman available right now, so he should be their primary target.
According to PuckPedia, the Red Wings have just under $12 million of cap space left. Thus, they could afford Andersson with ease.
Why Red Wings Could Land Andersson With This Trade Offer
The Flames will expect a significant trade offer to consider moving Andersson. The Red Wings offering their 2026 first-round pick, Jonatan Berggren, and William Wallinder could be enough to get the job done.
With Andersson being an impactful right-shot defenseman, the Flames would likely expect a first-round pick in any trade for him. This is especially so when noting that the Flames are still in the middle of a retool.
With Berggren, the Flames would be landing a young forward with good upside who could use a change of scenery. He would be a nice addition to their bottom six, but also could move up the lineup if he breaks out.
As for Wallinder, the Flames would be adding a promising left-shot defenseman to their prospect pool. The Flames’ left side also needs help, so a prospect like Wallinder could pique their interest. The 6-foot-4 defenseman has the potential to become a solid NHLer and could even compete for a spot on the Flames’ roster immediately if acquired.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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