The Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes are officially heating up, and the Calgary Flames are making it clear: if you’re a team with serious interest, now’s the time to put your best offer on the table.
Multiple league insiders are reporting that the Flames are actively engaged in trade talks for their top-pairing defenseman, with the goal of completing a deal before the Olympic roster freeze. That deadline is looming, and Calgary appears motivated to act sooner rather than later.
According to reports, the next 24 to 48 hours could be pivotal. Talks have intensified, and while Andersson was still in the lineup last night, the buzz around his potential departure has grown louder. The Flames aren’t just testing the waters - they’re looking to make a move.
Olympic Deadline Driving the Timeline
On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman laid out the timeline clearly: the Flames want a deal done before the Olympic break, which kicks in three weeks from now. There’s a trade freeze tied to the Olympic roster deadline on February 4, and both the team and Andersson seem aligned on wanting this resolved before then.
That mutual interest in getting something finalized adds urgency to the talks. Andersson, a key piece of Calgary’s blue line, seems ready for a fresh chapter - and the Flames are prepared to facilitate that move if the right deal comes along.
Who’s in the Mix?
There’s no shortage of suitors circling Andersson, and a few names have already surfaced.
The Boston Bruins are reportedly one of the most engaged teams. There’s been back-and-forth between the two clubs - some reports suggesting things got close, only for talks to stall and then pick back up again.
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, but what’s clear is that there’s real interest from Boston. If they’re the ones to land him, expect an extension to be part of the package.
Vegas is another team to watch. The Golden Knights made a run at Andersson last season, but the deal never materialized.
Still, they haven’t gone away. According to Friedman, they’re “lurking” - a classic Vegas move, staying in the shadows until the moment is right.
Dallas is also believed to be sniffing around, and as always in these situations, there are likely a few stealth contenders operating under the radar. NHL front offices tend to keep things tight when the stakes are this high.
And then there’s Vancouver - a bit of a surprise entry. The Canucks have been active in trade talks across the league, and it sounds like they’re right in the thick of this one, too. Whether that interest turns into something more concrete remains to be seen, but they’re clearly not sitting idle.
Extension or Rental? Both Are on the Table
As for what kind of deal Andersson might be looking at, that’s still a bit fluid. He’s reportedly open to signing an extension in the right situation, but if the trade drags on too long, testing the open market becomes a real possibility.
That flexibility opens the door for a wider range of teams - contenders looking for a long-term piece, or playoff hopefuls searching for a short-term boost on the back end.
If Boston is the destination, insiders believe an extension would likely be part of the deal. But for other clubs, the rental route might make more sense depending on their cap situation and long-term plans.
What’s Next
With the Olympic roster freeze fast approaching and multiple teams in the mix, the clock is ticking on one of the more intriguing trade chips currently available. Andersson brings top-pairing experience, power play capability, and a competitive edge - qualities that make him a fit for just about any team looking to bolster its blue line.
Whether it’s Boston, Vegas, Vancouver, or a dark horse waiting in the wings, the next few days could bring a major shake-up. The Flames are ready.
Andersson is ready. Now it’s just a matter of who’s willing to step up and meet the price.