It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the month of September and the start of training camp. However, the rumours never stop during the summertime. We’ve still got plenty of hot stove chatter around the league. The Calgary Flames are in the midst of making over their roster. This means their could be some moves yet to be made. Today’s NHL rumours takes a look at one defensive piece that could be in play.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Calgary Flames Blueliner Possibly in Play?
Rumour: The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie held part two of his recent reader’s mailbag. McKenzie gave insight into what it would take to make a Rasmus Andersson trade happen.
Discussed some Flames prospects who have some kind of chance at making this year’s roster in my latest mailbag. https://t.co/cJ75tB9GzL
— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) August 16, 2024
Analysis: Andersson is seemingly the last blueliner standing of a group that once boasted Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin, Nikita Zadorov and Oliver Kylington. The 27-year-old has been at or near 50 points in two recent seasons and could be a piece other teams may look into.
Calgary General Manager Craig Conroy has been clearing out the roster as the team tries to retool. McKenzie had mentioned that there was some chatter about a move around the time of the NHL Draft. However, a deal would only happen if the right one came along.
The same appears to be true according to McKenzie. Calgary really doesn’t have a lot of tradeable assets at this point. Nazem Kadri wants to stay there and is 34 years old and Jonathan Huberdeau has an albatross of a contract. This leaves Andersson as an asset that teams could be interested in.
The Price is Right
Andersson does seem like a viable top-four defender for a team. However, his value will be dictated by his play as McKenzie noted. We’ve seen the Malmo, Sweden native put together some strong seasons in Alberta. He also possess plenty more value with the defensive group in flux.
One thing that works in Andersson’s favour is that he’s got an affordable salary cap hit and contract. He has a $4.55 million cap hit that ends after the 2025-26 campaign. It’s a hit that contending teams could take on without much of a headache.
However, Conroy will once again have to get a massive offer in order to even think about a deal. McKenzie added something along the lines of a high draft pick and a quality prospect.
Time on Calgary’s Side
Conroy doesn’t have to deal Andersson right away. He can bide his time much like the Montreal Canadiens are doing with David Savard. Some thought that Savard would have been traded at the least deadline, but the Habs decided to wait.
A trade market could form for Andersson if he has the season like he did two years ago. The demand could get some high that Conroy may not be able to ignore.
Andersson’s play will dictate if a team is willing to pay a high price to acquire him. However, time is on the Calgary Flames’ side for the moment.
Main photo by: Brett Holmes-USA TODAY Sports
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