Why the Maple Leafs Were Right to Pass on Rasmus Andersson
The Vegas Golden Knights made a splash over the weekend, landing defenseman Rasmus Andersson in a notable trade with the Calgary Flames. But while the Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly in the mix before Vegas closed the deal, they ultimately stayed out of the deep end. And given the full picture, that restraint might’ve been one of Toronto’s smartest moves this season.
Let’s start with the basics: Andersson is a legitimate top-four defenseman. He’s got 30 points through 40 games, plays with poise, and brings the kind of offensive upside and experience that any contending blue line could use-especially a team like Toronto, dealing with the likely season-ending loss of Chris Tanev. On paper, Andersson would’ve been a strong fit.
But paper doesn’t tell the whole story.
The Price Tag Was Steep - And Risky
Vegas didn’t get Andersson for cheap. The Golden Knights sent Zach Whitecloud, a 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2028 second-round pick (which could become a first if they win the Cup), and prospect Abram Wiebe to Calgary. And that’s with the Flames retaining 50% of Andersson’s salary.
That’s a hefty price for any team, but for Toronto, it would’ve been even more precarious. The Leafs would’ve had to part with significant assets-think Easton Cowan or a future first-rounder-just to get in the conversation. And here’s the kicker: there was no guarantee Andersson would commit to staying beyond this season.
That’s the kind of gamble that can set a franchise back. Trading premium prospects or picks for a rental is one thing when you're knocking on the door of a Stanley Cup.
But Toronto, as it stands, isn’t exactly a lock to make a deep playoff run. They’re still trying to find consistency, and the idea of mortgaging the future for a short-term patch, with no extension in sight, just didn’t make sense.
Andersson Wasn’t Looking to Commit
One of the key reasons Toronto bowed out of the chase was Andersson’s unwillingness to talk extension. That’s not a knock on the player-he’s earned the right to explore free agency-but it made him a high-risk acquisition for any team hoping to build something longer-term.
Imagine the Leafs give up one of their top young assets for Andersson, only to watch him walk on July 1. That’s the kind of move that haunts front offices and frustrates fanbases.
And even if, by some stroke of luck, he did want to stay, the Leafs would’ve likely had to offer a six or seven-year deal with a premium cap hit to a player who turns 30 this year. That’s not a contract you feel great about three or four years down the line.
Toronto’s front office has already learned a few hard lessons about handing out big-money deals to aging players. This would’ve been another one in the making.
Vegas Was Always the Favorite
Once Vegas got involved, the writing was on the wall. Reports suggested the Golden Knights were Andersson’s preferred destination, and Elliotte Friedman confirmed that sentiment. Whether it was through a trade or free agency, Andersson landing in Vegas felt inevitable.
And let’s be honest-Vegas is in a much better position to go all-in right now. They’re defending champions with a deep, balanced roster, and they’ve shown time and again that they’re not afraid to make bold moves to stay in the hunt.
For them, Andersson is a luxury they can afford. For Toronto, he would’ve been a costly swing in a season that’s still very much in flux.
The Leafs’ Blue Line Still Needs Help-But Not at That Price
None of this is to say Toronto’s blue line is fine as-is. Losing Tanev is a major blow, and the need for defensive reinforcements is real.
But there’s a difference between making a smart addition and making a desperate one. Andersson would’ve helped, sure-but he wouldn’t have solved everything.
And the cost, both in assets and potential future cap headaches, just wasn’t worth it.
In the end, the Leafs avoided a move that could’ve done more harm than good. They preserved their top prospects, held onto their draft capital, and kept their financial flexibility intact. That’s not always the most exciting path, but in this case, it was the right one.
Andersson makes Vegas better today. But for Toronto, not making the trade might just be the win they needed.