Rasmus Andersson’s Trade Price Tag Will Make GMs Wince

While most of the trade talk this season has focused on flashy forwards, Rasmus Andersson has quietly become the most coveted prize on the blue line. He isn’t exactly a “sleeper” in the sense that people don’t know him, but he’s a sleeper in how much he could fundamentally change a contender’s fortunes.

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He’s a right-shot, top-pair defenseman who eats up 20+ minutes a night—basically, he’s the gold standard of what every playoff team thinks they’re missing. He knows what he’s worth. “We all know my contract situation, and nothing has changed from the summer until now.” He laughs at the idea that he’s indecisive, saying, he’s just playing and trying to do his best for the Flames.

So what has changed? Why, if he’s not looking at things differently, are teams suddenly calling?

A Price Tag That Will Make GMs Wince

Calgary GM Craig Conroy knows exactly what he has, and he isn’t letting Andersson go for cheap. Word on the street is the asking price starts with a first-round pick and doesn’t stop there.

Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently touched on the intense interest surrounding the Swede: “I still think he’s getting moved. We know the usual Dallas and Vegas suspects. We know Toronto’s kicked the tires. I could see LA getting back into that discussion.”

Any team that wants him will have to pay handsomely to get him and then to keep him. “It takes two to tango. Let’s leave it at that,” he said when talking about his extension.

The Olympic Factor

One thing to watch is the 2026 Winter Olympics. Andersson has been very open about his desire to play for Sweden, calling it his “main focus” right now. “I’m extremely proud, and you know it’s definitely a dream come true to play the Olympics for Sweden. It’s something I’ve always wanted, and you know it’s kind of nice that it’s out there now.”

This might actually help Calgary; teams can watch him perform on the world stage before pulling the trigger on a massive deadline deal. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, for sure.”

Whether it’s the New Jersey Devils looking for a veteran to pair with Luke Hughes or the Stars trying to solidify their top four, the market is only getting hotter.

Andersson is the ultimate “hockey trade” candidate. He isn’t a rental; he’s a cornerstone. If a team like Vegas or Dallas decides to meet the Flames’ sky-high demands, this could be the trade that determines who comes out of the West this spring.

Next: “I Don’t Think He Deserved It”: Jake Allen Stands Up for Luke Hughes