Calgary Flames

Would Flames’ Andersson Adapt If Part of Unwanted Trade to Oilers?

The Calgary Flames Rasmus Andersson has been a solid blue liner. What if he were traded to the hated Oilers or the Canucks? Could he adapt?

by
Old Prof
January 11, 2025

With the NHL trade deadline approaching (March 7), Rasmus Andersson could become highly sought after. And with good reason. The Calgary Flames defenseman is a veteran. He’s had a strong season. He’s value-added both defensively and offensively, putting up 18 points in the 40 games he’s played.

Also, given the market for prize blue liners, his $4.55 million AAV makes him a valuable trade piece if the Flames decide to sell. Right now, that might be iffy. The Flames are surprising most hockey pundits by hanging in a playoff position. Few expected that to happen.

Still, although there’s no scuttlebutt that teams are talking about, Andersson’s future in Calgary is a bit up in the air. He loves playing in Calgary, feels like it’s home, and wouldn’t move if it were up to him. At the same time, he knows that it’s part of the business of professional sports. While it’s clear he has some preferences when it comes to where he’d want to go, a couple of teams in the Pacific Division are definitely not on that list.

Rasmus Andersson Oilers Flames trade — Would Rasmus Andersson change his opinion of the Oilers if traded there by the Flames?

Andersson Hates the Oilers and the Canucks

Perhaps he was trolling a bit and demonstrating his loyalties to Calgary, but Andersson responded directly when he was asked about any possible trades. “I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks, and that’s just the way I am.” Ouch, if you’re a fan of either of those teams. While he’s clarified that he loves playing in Calgary, his limited no-trade clause only lets him block moves to six teams. That gives the Flames’ management some room to maneuver.

However, when you consider the history of trades between the Oilers and the Flames, it doesn’t happen that often. Would the Flames trade him to one of its most bitter rivals? That might be tough for Andersson to swallow, especially when he’s been with the Flames his whole career. He’s been through many Battles of Alberta, and he knows the highs and lows of winning and losing to his northern rivals.

Andersson Has Been a Steady Flame for Almost a Decade

The 26-year-old Andersson has been a steady blue liner for Calgary for almost ten seasons. Drafted in 2015, it’s the only hockey home he knows. He’s earned his spot. He’s one of the Flames’ key players. You’d think he’d also have earned a say in whether he stays or, at least, where he lands if the team moves him. But it doesn’t always work that way.

With Calgary still hanging in the playoff race, Andersson’s tenure in Calgary seems assured. But what if things change? Then, it would be interesting to see if they moved him if the potential for a postseason chance vanished. Andersson’s future would be up in the air.

Certainly, Andersson’s departure isn’t inevitable. In a perfect world, he’d stay in Calgary, finish his hockey career, and settle down with his family. However, with a modified no-trade clause that only blocks moves to six teams, there’s a chance he could be moved elsewhere.

The Question of “Hate” Becomes Interesting

What’s particularly interesting is Andersson’s admission that he hates the Oilers and Canucks—two of Calgary’s fiercest rivals. Of course, “hate” is often about rivalry and competitiveness rather than anything personal in hockey. In fact, hockey players beat on each other during the regular season but hug each other if they score during an All-Star game.

Still, his claim to hate these rivals raises the question: what if Andersson were traded to one of these teams he despises? Specifically, what if he’s moved to the Oilers? The Battle of Alberta is a real thing for some players. Some NHLers never get over those rivalries.

At the same time, while it might initially seem awkward, NHL history is filled with players who have been moved and have prospered in unexpected places. Recently, at the trade deadline a couple of seasons ago, the gritty Tyler Bertuzzi moved from the Detroit Red Wings to the Boston Bruins. He fit in well when he joined them and scored a bunch of goals to help the Bruins postseason. Other players have done the same.

What If Andersson Found Himself on a Hated Team?

You can bet that if Andersson ever found himself donning an Oilers or Canucks sweater, his professionalism and competitive nature would kick in. He’d bust his read to help them win.

In the NHL, teammates become a second family, and the bonds formed in the locker room would trump former rivalries. For now, a trade to a hated rival seems unlikely. However, NHL fans know that anything can happen in hockey.