Rasmus Andersson with the Flames (Via Getty Images) The Rasmus Andersson trade saga appears to be reaching its conclusion. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Friday that talks have heated up significantly around the Calgary Flames defenseman, with multiple teams pushing to acquire the pending unrestricted free agent.Andersson played Thursday night in the Flames’ 3-1 victory over Chicago, logging 26:55 of ice time in what could potentially be his final game in a Calgary uniform. The 29-year-old defenseman has been the subject of trade speculation dating back to last summer as he approaches free agency in July.
With trade deadline fast approaching, Rasmus Andersson might soon be out of Calgary
Rasmus Andersson Drops 🥊 Gloves 🥊 With Boone Jenner
“As others have noted, things have heated up on the Rasmus Andersson trade front,” LeBrun tweeted earlier today. “He wasn’t held out of the lineup last night, but sense is talks have intensified. Let’s see where it goes over the next 24-48 hours as to whether it gets done or not.”The Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings have all shown interest in acquiring the right-shot defenseman. The Golden Knights nearly completed a deal during the offseason, but negotiations ultimately fell apart. Ottawa has also expressed interest, though reports indicate the Senators are on Andersson’s six-team no-trade list.Calgary general manager Craig Conroy has reportedly set a steep asking price for his top defenseman. The Flames are seeking the equivalent of two first-round picks, including a 2026 first-rounder and either an NHL-ready defenseman or a top prospect close to making the jump.Andersson has posted 10 goals and 29 points in 47 games this season while averaging a team-high 24:12 of ice time. He quarterbacks the power play and remains one of the most valuable right-shot defensemen available on the trade market at a manageable $4.55 million cap hit.The Flames sit at 20-23-4 and have dropped five of their last six games, firmly positioning themselves as sellers ahead of the trade deadline. Calgary already owns two first-round picks in 2026 from the Noah Hanifin trade to Vegas and could add another through an Andersson deal.The timing becomes critical with the Olympics approaching next month. Andersson will captain Sweden after leading them to bronze at last spring’s World Hockey Championship. The Flames prefer to move him before he departs for Milano Cortina, making the next 48 hours potentially decisive in ending months of speculation about his futureAlso Read: NHL Trade Update: Calgary Flames trade rumors heat up as NHL trade deadline approaches