How Vegas Beat Rasmus Andersson Odds vs. Bruins, Stars, and Maple Leafs

The Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes officially came to a close on Sunday night as Flames GM Craig Conroy sent his star defenseman to the Vegas Golden Knights, who had been one of—if not the—frontrunners all along, dating back to the offseason.

In the end, Calgary landed a package of Zach Whitecloud, Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 conditional second-round pick. While fans are relatively happy with the return, whenever a big-name player is moved, attention quickly turns to which other teams were involved and what they might have offered.

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As always, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman provided the details shortly after the deal came down, revealing that the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs were all in the mix. However, those teams fell out of the race once Andersson made it clear he would not sign an extension anywhere as part of a trade.

Friedman said:

“I think the key thing is, I understand that Andersson indicated Sunday that he would not be signing an extension with anyone at this time, so that knocked out Boston.

I think when you look at the other teams that were potentially involved in this. I think Boston was, I think Dallas was, I think Toronto was, I’m assuming there were some others that I wasn’t really aware of. But I think once the extension part of it went away, I think Vegas was in a really good spot,”

The 29-year-old Andersson is in the midst of a great 2025-26 season, having already tallied 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 48 games played. He’s, of course, a pending UFA in the final season of the six-year, $27.3 million extension signed with the Flames in 2020, though the expectation remains that he’ll ultimately extend in Vegas.

Rasmus Andersson to Vegas Was Always the Move

While it certainly seems as if other teams gave them a run for their money—Boston in particular—Vegas was always the top landing spot for Andersson.

Alex Pietrangelo’s absence had left a glaring hole on the right side of the Golden Knights’ blue line, one Andersson is tailor-made to fill. He now likely gets to reunite on a pairing with former Flames teammate and defense partner Noah Hanifin, whom they acquired at the 2024 trade deadline.

It’s yet another big swing from GM Kelly McCrimmon, who continues to lure top talent to Vegas via trade and free agency regardless of how limited the Golden Knights may be on draft capital, prospects, or cap space.

The Western Conference is loaded with contenders in Colorado, Dallas, Edmonton, and Minnesota, but if Vegas can find a way to win the Pacific Division and secure home ice through the first two rounds, they’ll once again be as tough an out as anyone come the postseason.

Next: Trade Grades: Vegas Does It Again, Lands Rasmus Andersson