Flames Exploring Rasmus Andersson Sign-and-Trade as Market Heats Up

The NHL trade market showed signs of life last week when the Vancouver Canucks dealt Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild, a move that quickly reignited speculation around Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Now, with the NHL trade freeze just hours away, talk has really picked up involving the defenseman.

It’s unlikely Andersson is dealt in the next 12 hours, but the 29-year-old is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July and remains without a contract extension in Calgary. He’s among the more coveted names available for a contender on the blue line, and with the Flames trending toward seller mode, the expectation around the league is that Andersson will be moved before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, the Flames have seen a noticeable uptick in calls, and the NHL insider raised the possibility that Calgary explore a sign-and-trade rather than move Andersson strictly as a playoff rental.

That option could allow the Flames to maximize their return while giving a contender cost certainty beyond this season. LeBrun added that the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams Andersson would be open to signing with, assuming a trade could be negotiated.

A sign-and-trade also increases the return for Calgary. As a rental who can leave on July 1, there is only so much Andersson would fetch with no guarantees. Locked in, he’s far more valuable. Calgary Sun columnist Kent Wilson believes the Flames won’t receive a Hughes-level return but should still command a strong package.

Who Can Make the Strongest Trade Pitch for Andersson?

That presents a challenge for Toronto, which lacks surplus draft picks and high-end prospects. While a sign-and-trade could improve Calgary’s leverage, it may also push the price beyond what the Maple Leafs can realistically afford. Who steps up? Like Minnesota did in the Hughes situation, a team could come out of nowhere.

It was originally believed that Dallas and Vegas were the two frontrunners for Andersson. Dallas makes a lot of sense given the cap space they freed up with the loss of Tyler Seguin. They could make a pitch for a forward and a defenseman and still have space to spare.

Next: Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Flames, Maple Leafs, Updated Trade Boards