The Boston Bruins are making a serious push for Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson - and they’re not just kicking the tires. According to multiple reports, including an update from Hockey Night in Canada, Boston has been granted permission to speak with Andersson about a potential contract extension.
That’s a clear signal: the Bruins aren’t just looking for a rental. They want a long-term piece on the blue line, and Andersson fits the bill.
Let’s break down where things stand.
The Flames have reportedly reached out to several teams, gauging interest and asking for their best offers. This isn’t a passive trade deadline feeler - Calgary is actively trying to figure out if they’re moving Andersson, and they want to know who’s truly in the mix.
Right now, Boston appears to be leading the pack. While nothing is finalized, the Bruins are believed to be the only team given the green light to negotiate an extension with Andersson.
That’s significant. It suggests not only that Boston’s offer is strong, but that they’re serious about locking him in beyond this season.
The word is that substantial extension talks have already taken place.
Vegas is also reportedly in the conversation, but their offer doesn’t appear to be as strong - at least not yet. That could always change, especially with a player of Andersson’s caliber on the table. But for now, Boston is the team to watch.
Andersson, 29, is in the final year of his contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. That’s why the extension component is so critical for the Bruins.
They’re not in a position to give up valuable assets for a short-term rental. This is a team that’s trying to thread the needle - stay competitive now while also building for the future.
Bringing in a top-four, right-shot defenseman with term would be a smart move toward that goal.
On paper, Andersson is a strong fit. He’s durable, logs big minutes, and brings some offensive upside from the back end.
Through 48 games this season, he’s posted 30 points - 10 goals and 20 assists - and he’s been remarkably consistent over the past few years. He’s scored at least nine goals in four straight seasons and is on pace to top the 40-point mark for the third time in his career.
That’s the kind of production you want from a defenseman who can play in all situations.
Boston’s blue line has held up well this season, but there’s no doubt they could use another reliable top-four option, especially on the right side. Andersson would give them more flexibility, more puck movement, and more offensive balance - all without sacrificing defensive responsibility.
And timing-wise, the Bruins are rolling. They’ve won six straight games, including a 5-2 road win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.
As of Sunday, they sit in the first wild card spot with a 28-19-2 record. This is a team that’s finding its rhythm, and adding a player like Andersson could be the kind of move that helps them solidify a playoff spot - and maybe make some noise once they get there.
The key now is whether the Bruins and Andersson can come to terms on an extension. If they do, Boston could be adding a major piece to its defensive core - not just for this season, but for the seasons ahead.