The trade winds are picking up in Calgary, and at the center of the storm is defenseman Rasmus Andersson. With reports indicating the Flames are ready to move him sooner rather than later, it’s no longer a matter of if he gets dealt-it’s when and where. And perhaps most intriguingly, one of the teams stepping into the spotlight is the Boston Bruins.
That might surprise some folks. After all, it wasn’t too long ago that Boston looked like it was heading into a transitional phase.
They had just said goodbye to key veterans and seemed poised for a rebuild. But in classic Bruins fashion, they’ve refused to go quietly.
Now, not only are they back in the playoff picture, but they’re also eyeing one of the biggest names available on the trade market.
Andersson to Boston? It actually makes a lot of sense.
Why Andersson Fits the Bruins
The Bruins have long been known for their gritty, hard-nosed style, and Andersson would slide right into that identity. He plays with an edge, brings leadership, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty-traits that resonate in a city like Boston.
At 29, he’s in his prime and fits the core age group of the Bruins’ roster. David Pastrnak is also 29, and both Charlie McAvoy and Pavel Zacha are just a year younger.
This isn’t a team looking to get younger-they’re looking to win now.
From a roster standpoint, Andersson would address a real need. Outside of McAvoy, Boston’s right-handed defensive depth is thin, with Henri Jokiharju and Andrew Peeke currently filling out the chart.
Adding Andersson would give the Bruins a legitimate top-four right-shot defenseman and allow them to stabilize their pairings. He could reunite with former Flames teammate Nikita Zadorov on the second pair and contribute on both the penalty kill and second power play unit-essentially the same role he’s been playing in Calgary.
This isn't just a plug-and-play addition-it’s a move that could elevate Boston from playoff team to legitimate contender.
But as always, the big question is: what would it take to get him?
Trade Scenario #1
To Calgary:
- 2026 first-round pick (top 10 protected)
- 2026 third-round pick
- Mason Lohrei (LD)
To Boston:
- Rasmus Andersson (30% salary retained)
This is reportedly close to what Boston has already offered. The framework seems to be a first-rounder and Lohrei, but adding a third-round pick helps make the deal more competitive, especially with multiple teams in the mix for Andersson.
From a cap perspective, even with Lohrei’s $3.2 million heading back to Calgary, the Flames would still need to retain a chunk of Andersson’s $4.55 million cap hit. In this scenario, they retain 30%, giving Boston some flexibility and helping the deal fit under the salary cap.
Let’s talk about Lohrei. He’s a 24-year-old, left-shot defenseman who’s currently playing on Boston’s third pair and seeing time on the second power play unit while Hampus Lindholm recovers.
At 6’5” and 218 pounds, he brings size and a bit of offensive upside, averaging 16:41 of ice time per game. He’s put up 65 points in 160 NHL games-solid numbers, but he looks like he’s settled into a bottom-pair role with some special teams value.
For Calgary, this return is decent but not overwhelming. The first-round pick is attractive, likely landing in the mid-to-late range, but Lohrei doesn’t necessarily fill a glaring need.
The Flames already have Kevin Bahl, Yan Kuznetsov, and Joel Hanley on the left side. Unless Calgary is planning to move Hanley or shift pieces around, Lohrei might be more of a depth addition than a foundational one.
Trade Scenario #2
To Calgary:
- Toronto’s 2026 first-round pick (top 5 protected)
- Boston’s 2026 first-round pick (top 10 protected)
- Andrew Peeke (RD)
To Boston:
- Rasmus Andersson (50% salary retained)
- 2026 third-round pick
Now this is a blockbuster.
For the Flames, this would be a dream return. Two first-round picks-one from Toronto and one from Boston-would give Calgary four first-rounders in the 2026 draft (including their own and Vegas’).
That kind of draft capital gives the Flames serious flexibility. Whether they want to move up, trade for other assets, or stockpile for the future, this would be a major step in a retooling process that’s already underway.
To make the money work, Calgary retains 50% of Andersson’s contract and takes back Andrew Peeke’s $2.75 million deal, which expires this summer. Peeke becomes expendable in Boston with Andersson coming in, so moving him is a no-brainer for the Bruins. Calgary also sends back a third-round pick to balance the scales.
Toronto’s pick is top-five protected, but unless the Leafs completely collapse, that’s unlikely to come into play.
From Boston’s perspective, this is a big swing-but one that could pay off. They’d be giving up a lot of future capital, but in return, they’d be adding a top-four defenseman who can help them win right now. That’s the kind of move you make when you believe your window is open-and the Bruins clearly do.
Final Thoughts
Rasmus Andersson is the kind of player who can shift the balance of power in a playoff race. He’s tough, skilled, and brings the kind of presence that teams covet in the postseason.
The Bruins, once thought to be heading into a rebuild, are right back in the mix-and adding Andersson would be a statement that they’re not just here to make the playoffs. They’re here to make noise.
Whether it’s one of these two trade scenarios or a different package entirely, one thing is clear: Andersson’s days in Calgary are numbered. And if the Bruins can land him, it might be just the move that pushes them from contender to legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.