The Bruins are not the only team interested in acquiring Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but the latest report suggests they are “in the driver’s seat.”
SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman provided an update on where things stand with Boston and Andersson during Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night.
“The team that appears to be in the driver’s seat, although nothing is done until it’s done, is Boston. Boston is very serious about its offer,” the NHL insider said. “And no one is confirming or denying this, but I believe they are the only team that has been given permission to talk to Andersson, and I do believe they’ve done some pretty significant extension talks. Nothing is done until it’s done. Both things have to work out. The Bruins are not believed to be interested in this without an extension.”
Andersson, who has played all 10 of his NHL seasons in Calgary, is set to be a free agent after this season.
Friedman also reported the Vegas Golden Knights are interested in Andersson, though their offer is not believed to be as strong as Boston’s.
The 29-year-old is a right-shot defenseman and would fill a need for Boston, who just re-entered the wild card playoff picture after winning six straight games. Andersson is also a former teammate of Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov.
In 48 games for the Flames this season, Andersson has 10 goals, 20 assists and is averaging 24:14 of ice time.