The Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes are heating up - and if you’re a fan of blue-line reinforcements, this one’s worth watching closely. As of now, four teams are seriously in the mix for the Calgary Flames defenseman, with the Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights emerging as strong contenders from each conference. The Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks are also reportedly involved, rounding out a competitive field of suitors.
According to league sources, two teams from the East and two from the West remain engaged in talks. While things can shift quickly in trade negotiations, Boston and Vegas have clearly positioned themselves near the front of the line. Unless something materializes soon, Andersson is expected to suit up for Calgary in their upcoming game - but that could change with one phone call.
Notably, the Detroit Red Wings have been ruled out of the running, despite some early speculation. So that narrows the focus to four teams, with Boston appearing to have the inside track.
There’s been plenty of chatter suggesting that the Bruins may have already closed the deal - though nothing has been confirmed. What’s fueling the buzz?
Reports indicate that a potential trade would include a contract extension, a key factor that could make the move a win-win for both Andersson and Boston. The Bruins are reportedly pushing for a long-term commitment, and that could be what tipped the scales in their favor.
Insider Jimmy Murphy added some intrigue to the story, noting that Andersson may have initially balked at the idea of joining Boston without an extension in place. But that stance appears to have softened.
Murphy reports that Andersson, the Bruins, and the Flames are now “on the same page.” That’s a significant shift - and one that might have been influenced by some familiar faces in the Boston locker room.
The Bruins already roster two of Andersson’s former Calgary teammates - Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm - and their presence could be playing a role in recruiting the defenseman. Add that to Boston’s current roster, which includes stars like Jeremy Swayman, Charlie McAvoy, and David Pastrnak, and it’s easy to see why Andersson might be warming to the idea. There’s also a promising youth movement in the pipeline, with Fraser Minten already in the fold and Cole Hagens expected to arrive soon.
From a hockey standpoint, Andersson checks a lot of boxes for Boston. He’s a top-four right-shot defenseman who can eat minutes - averaging 24 a night - and he’s been one of the few bright spots on a struggling Flames team. Despite Calgary’s inconsistencies, Andersson has managed to remain a plus player, which speaks to his ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice.
Joe Haggerty noted that if the Bruins do pull the trigger, young defenseman Mason Lohrei could be part of the return package. That would make sense. Lohrei is a promising piece, and Calgary would likely want a player with upside in any deal involving their top defenseman.
As the Flames prepare to take on the New York Islanders, the question now becomes whether Andersson will even be in the lineup. If trade talks are as far along as some believe, Calgary may opt to hold him out as a precaution - a move that often signals a deal is imminent.
So while nothing is official just yet, all signs point to movement soon. Whether it's Boston, Vegas, Dallas, or Vancouver that ultimately lands Andersson, one thing is clear: the market for top-tier defensemen is alive and well - and Rasmus Andersson is right at the center of it.