Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson has become one of the most talked-about blueliners this season. With the Flames sitting last in the Pacific Division at 8-14-3, the trade buzz around him has only gotten louder.

Amid the speculation, an NHL insider revisited what happened in the offseason and how the Vegas Golden Knights may have missed their chance to land Andersson.

What Went Wrong for Vegas in Their Previous Pursuit of Rasmus Andersson?

Andersson is entering the final year of his $27.3-million contract and has a six-team no-trade list. Calgary tried to lock him up with an extension over the summer, but he turned it down, a move that fueled the trade speculation now surrounding him.

On Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun shared that the Vegas Golden Knights were actually very close to landing Andersson during the offseason.

LeBrun said, “I don’t see any scenario where he extends, he turned down their offer last summer. I don’t know how he didn’t end up in Vegas, but that deal was deep. I expected it to get across the finish line, and for some reason it didn’t. Some of the pieces involved went elsewhere, so I don’t know if Vegas can get back in. But to me, Vegas is still the most logical destination for Andersson.”

Now, some of the pieces involved in the talks were eventually moved elsewhere, which may make it difficult for Vegas to re-enter the mix. Still, LeBrun views Vegas as the most logical landing spot for Andersson.

Andersson has also boosted his trade value recently, recording 10 points in his last six games, including three assists in Calgary’s 5–2 win over Vancouver on Sunday.

Also Read: $45.5M Blues D-Man Emerges as Plan B For Teams Who Miss Out on Rasmus Andersson

Speaking to Sportsnet last week, Flames president Don Maloney addressed the situation. Maloney said, “The last thing we want is him walking out the door, but he has certain rights. We have rights.”

He said the plan was to get into the season and reassess later. And that both sides are still open to possibilities. However, he also mentioned that a decision will eventually need to be made and that the Flames would love to keep Andersson long-term if a path can be found.

For now, the Flames’ next steps with Andersson are still unclear. Calgary and Andersson will take on the Florida Panthers on the road this Friday.