Summary:
The Calgary Flames’ shocking 1-8-0 start jeopardizes their playoff hopes after narrowly missing postseason contention last year. 29-year-old defenseman Rasmus Andersson emerges as the organization’s premier trade asset with his $4.55M expiring contract and UFA status looming. Despite declining offensive production since his 50-point 2021-22 campaign, Andersson’s right-shot defensive physicality (averaging 23+ minutes/game) maintains his trade value. Multiple sources including The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun identify him as Calgary’s most likely deadline commodity if their slide continues.
What This Means for You:
- Monitor defensive trade targets: Andersson presents deadline value with top-4D capability but requires contract negotiation leverage by March 2025
- Evaluate performance trends: Scouting reports should prioritize defensive zone coverage metrics over point totals for this defensive specialist
- Assess contract gamble: Potential acquiring teams must weigh extension viability against 2026 UFA market premium for right-shot D-men
- Prepare contingency plans: Fantasy GMs & sportsbooks should model playoff contender blue lines needing shutdown defensemen
Original Post:
After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Calgary Flames expected to build on that promising performance. However, by Oct. 26, they were at the bottom of the standings with one win in their first nine games.
The Flames’ poor start puts more attention on Rasmus Andersson. The 29-year-old defenseman is in the final season of a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.55 million and is slated for unrestricted free-agent status next July.
Andersson topped our October NHL Trade Block Big Board. Approaching November, there is no indication that he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension. On Oct. 24, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic indicated that Andersson would be their biggest trade chip if they become sellers.
Since a career-best 50 points in 2021-22, Andersson’s production has steadily declined, but his skills as a physical, big-minute, right-shot defenseman make him a solid addition to any defense corps. He has two goals this season, but the Flames’ poor play hasn’t yet adversely affected his trade value.
Extra Information:
- Andersson’s Advanced Stats Profile – Detailed zone entry/exit and shot suppression metrics
- Armchair GM Tool – Simulate potential trade packages with Andersson’s $4.55M cap hit
- 2026 Trade Deadline Primer – Analysis of defensemen market demand
People Also Ask About:
- What teams need right-shot defensemen most? Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Vegas show acute organizational needs for top-4 RHD.
- How does Andersson compare to other trade targets? His contract structure offers more flexibility than comparable D-men with term remaining.
- What draft compensation could Andersson fetch? Projected return: 1st-round pick + B-tier prospect based on past RHD trades.
- Could Calgary retain salary? With $6.2M deadline cap space, the Flames could leverage retention for premium assets.
Expert Opinion:
“Andersson represents the classic ‘change of scenery’ candidate. His defensive microstats (54.3% expected goals against last 15gp) suggest performance better than Calgary’s team metrics indicate. Contenders will value his postseason experience (37 playoff games) and right-shot premium – but should conduct thorough medical evaluations given his physical play style.” – NHL Pro Scout (Western Conference)
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