The Dallas Stars have established themselves as legitimate contenders for the Stanley Cup. The franchise sits near the top of the Western Conference despite dealing with injuries to key players. However, management believes additions are necessary to maximize their championship window before the trade deadline.
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson has emerged as a popular trade target around the league. The Swedish blueliner brings legitimate top-pairing ability and offensive production from the blue line. One prominent insider recently explained why a deal between Dallas and Calgary makes perfect sense for both franchises.
Insider Explains Why Rasmus Andersson’s Fit Makes Sense For the Dallas Stars
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta addressed potential trade targets for Dallas during an appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek. The insider discussed why the Stars’ pursuit of multiple Calgary players represents a logical scenario.
Pagnotta referenced previous discussions about Dallas targeting Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman from the Flames. The conversation then shifted to Andersson as another potential target from the Flames.
“Now, obviously, the difference there is that it’s a significantly bigger cap hit for Kadri and he’s got multiple years left on his deal, whereas Coleman has one more year on his contract after this season. I think it’s $4.5 million,” Pagnotta noted, distinguishing between the different Calgary assets.
The insider then connected the dots on why Andersson makes sense. “But that possibility, Rasmus Andersson’s possibility, that connection there. I could certainly see something like that happening,” Pagnotta stated.
However, the reporter acknowledged that Dallas has options beyond just Calgary. “At the same time, they certainly have options. You go to the usual suspects, the St. Louis’s, the Nashville’s right now, and see, you know, can we pluck a couple guys there,” Pagnotta explained.
The insider emphasized why the Calgary connection feels particularly strong. “But the Calgary one for me is, it just makes a lot of sense. Maybe it makes too much sense that it just is not going to happen,” he said with slight hesitation.
Pagnotta concluded by highlighting Dallas’s opportunity this season. “But I just think there’s an avenue there. And I think Dallas understands even with Seguin out that they’ve got a great opportunity to pounce here this season,” the insider stated.
The reporter noted how Dallas has kept pace with Colorado despite injuries. “With how well Colorado is doing, they’ve been sticking up with that race. Add a couple of pieces like that, man. That would make them that much more dangerous, especially if Jake Oettinger gets going there,” Pagnotta explained.
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Andersson carries a $4.55 million cap hit through 2025-26 before becoming an unrestricted free agent. The 29-year-old Swedish defenseman won Calgary’s team MVP award last season. He brings two-way ability and power-play quarterbacking skills that Dallas desperately needs.
The Stars have the assets to construct a competitive offer for Andersson. They possess draft picks and prospects that could entice Calgary if the Flames decide to move their veteran defenseman. Whether Dallas ultimately pursues multiple Calgary players remains to be seen.