Part of the package the Calgary Flames acquired in the Rasmus Andersson deal could wind up being moved for more future pieces.

The Flames were finally able to put an end to the Andersson saga on Sunday, sending him to the Vegas Golden Knights. In exchange, they picked up defenceman Zach Whitecloud, a 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2028 second-round pick, and prospect Abram Wiebe.

The key part of this acquisition for the Flames was the fact that they were able to pick up two draft picks. The conditional second-round pick will also become a first should the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this season.

Though reactions to the trade were initially negative, fans have already started coming around, thanks in large part to Whitecloud’s impressive start with his new team. That said, his time in Calgary could wind up being quite short-lived.

Whitecloud, like Andersson, is a right shot, something all teams covet on the back end. At 29 years old, he doesn’t seem to fit into the Flames’ long-term plans. He’s also under contract through the 2027-28 season with a very manageable $2.75 million cap hit.

To no surprise, given his contract, it sounds as though other teams will be reaching out to GM Craig Conroy about Whitecloud’s availability, if they haven’t already.

“I think there’s going to be a lot of interest in him. I think the Flames are going to get calls,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast. “Zach Whitecloud has a tremendous reputation, just as a person in the room. Very easygoing, very friendly. He’s signed two more years, he’s a right-shot [defenceman].

“If the Flames want to do this, I don’t think they’re going to have a problem finding interest. It just comes down to, do they find a price that they like.”

Friedman also went on to speculate about the possibility of the Flames reaching out to the Boston Bruins, who were right in on Andersson and had a package lined up for him had he been willing to sign an extension. Though not the same calibre of player, Whitecloud could still help them as they continue to push for a playoff spot.

With Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri being discussed as potential trade candidates out of Calgary, Whitecloud’s name may be another one for fans to monitor as the March 6 deadline approaches.

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