Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Rasmus Andersson is reportedly open to a trade to the Boston Bruins less than 24 hours after the team was shut down due to a lack of a future extension.
As the Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes draw nearer, it seems like it’s going to be a matter of if, not when he’s traded. Teams like the Maple Leafs, Stars, and Golden Knights are all said to be top contenders for the Swedish defenseman.
Rasmus Andersson open to Bruins; completely changes mind less than 24 hours later
But a follow up report from Jimmy Murphy of RG.org has shown that Andersson has done a 180 when it comes to wanting to stick around in Boston, and that there’s a lot for him to look forward to if he were to go.
Murphy explained that Andersson simply changed his mind and with the Flames essentially saying he’ll need to play elsewhere this season; he’s become more open to different destinations:
Apologies for late night/early morning update, but fell asleep around 10 and missed a message. Hearing through same source who said the #NHLBruins were out on Andersson because of no extension, that Andersson changed his mind and he, the Bruins and #Flames are ‘on same page now’
For those asking why change of heart for Andersson, keep in mind the #NHLBruins have two of his former teammates, Zadorov and E. Lindholm, to help recruit him.
Also, they’re an improved team that still has Swayman, McAvoy and Pastrnak, as well as youth in Minten and soon Hagens – Jimmy Murphy
It’s very interesting to note that Andersson’s connection to the Bruins runs fairly deep and with how much they’ve improved and are facing a legitimate shot at the playoffs; that could put them over the top.
Maple Leafs face tough choice: Rasmus or the rest of the pack?
Which is a bummer for the Toronto Maple Leafs not only because this means they lose out on a premium defenseman, but do so to a division rival.
The team already had a lack of assets, and with every other team that’s thrown into the mix, that makes it a little bit more difficult for Brad Treliving to convince the Flames to give him his old defender back.
But with those minimal assets, it may take a different approach to make something happen. There’s a strong chance Treliving won’t give up on Andersson, that much is clear. He’s gone after him for two years now.
Though it’s likely he won’t really have any options than to decide to cut ties with the future, give Calgary a huge trade package, then deal with any potential backlash from the fans.
Or he could do the safe option like Luke Schenn, or hope they can luck out on a Dougie Hamilton deal considering the Devils are getting fairly desperate too.
This is Brad Treliving we’re talking about, and he’s traded away his fair share of elite talent for the chance to win now. Whether he decides to do it one last time to grab his old defenseman is anyone’s guess.
It seems we’re all about to find out together.
Previously on Hockey Patrol