The Boston Bruins are back in the mix for Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and this time, the door to a deal might actually be open.
Earlier this week, it looked like Boston’s pursuit had hit a wall. Reports surfaced that Andersson wasn’t willing to sign a contract extension with the Bruins, essentially putting the brakes on any potential trade. But less than 24 hours later, that narrative shifted - and fast.
According to league sources, Andersson has had a change of heart. Talks between the Bruins, Flames, and the 28-year-old defenseman have reportedly reopened, with all sides now “on the same page” when it comes to a possible trade and long-term extension. That’s a significant development for a Bruins team looking to reinforce its blue line for both the stretch run and beyond.
So what changed?
Well, Boston’s current roster might be doing some of the recruiting. Andersson has ties to a couple of key Bruins - defenseman Nikita Zadorov and forward Elias Lindholm, both former teammates from his time in Calgary. Familiar faces can go a long way in a league where chemistry and comfort matter just as much as cap space.
And it’s not just about old teammates. The Bruins are still a serious contender, with a core that includes Jeremy Swayman in net, Charlie McAvoy anchoring the defense, and David Pastrnak leading the charge up front. Add in promising young talents like Fraser Minten and soon-to-arrive prospect Cole Hagens, and you’ve got a team that’s built to win now and later - a compelling pitch for any player considering a long-term commitment.
Boston’s interest in Andersson isn’t new, and they’ve shown they’re willing to pay up. According to reports, the Bruins have already made a concrete offer to Calgary, one that includes defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round draft pick. That pick isn’t Boston’s own, but rather the one they acquired from Toronto in the Brandon Carlo deal at the 2025 trade deadline - the same deal that brought Minten into the fold.
Lohrei, a promising young blueliner, has been a name to watch in trade talks. While Boston is high on his potential, they seem willing to part with him in exchange for a more established top-pair defenseman like Andersson, especially one with term - if an extension gets done.
Andersson, for his part, has reportedly identified two teams he’d be willing to sign an extension with, which has helped Calgary narrow its focus in trade talks. While the Bruins are now back in that conversation, they’re not alone. The Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, and Dallas Stars have all shown interest, with Andersson said to be “definitely interested” in both Vegas and Dallas.
He’s in the final year of a six-year, $27.3 million deal that carries a $4.5 million AAV - a manageable number for a top-four defenseman with puck-moving upside and plenty of experience. He also holds a six-team modified no-trade clause, but sources say the Flames are working with him to find a destination that works for everyone involved.
Bottom line: The Bruins are in aggressive mode. They’ve got a playoff-caliber roster, a clear need on the back end, and now, a potential trade partner who’s willing to talk again. If Andersson is truly open to an extension in Boston, don’t be surprised if this heats up fast.