Latest news with #RasmusAndersson
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Rasmus Andersson trade buzz: Toronto Maple Leafs eyeing a $27 million veteran to fix defensive woes
Rasmus Andersson trade buzz: Toronto Maple Leafs eyeing a $27 million veteran to fix defensive woes (Image Via Twitter ) The Toronto Maple Leafs are at a crossroads again. Another painful playoff exit, a likely Mitch Marner departure, and a restless fanbase are heavy burdens on the accused to recalibrate. But the offseason has come with opportunities and perhaps redemption. The Leafs are now refocusing on the defensive front, and Rasmus Andersson of Calgary looks like the prime candidate for trade who would bring a new face to Toronto's blue line and a couple of seconds of stability to a team in transition. Rasmus Andersson could offer the Toronto Maple Leafs the right-handed defensive stability they urgently need The Maple Leafs' playoff shortcomings, once again, have been their inability to stop teams that have applied high offensive pressure, like the Florida Panthers. They made the series last seven games, and yet the Game 3 collapse was a testament to how exposed they are in the right-side defense position. With Tanev and Carlo providing the gritty presence the Leafs would love to have, the spotlight now shifts to Flames veteran Rasmus Andersson: skilled, tough, and the right-shot defenseman with nine seasons under his belt. According to Kypreos, starting from the trade deadline, there has been interest shown by Toronto in Andersson, and that interest may soon be rekindled. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Salma Hayek, 58,Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos Boite A Scoop Undo With three years having passed without making it to the Playoffs for Calgary since the exit of Matthew Tkachuk, the Flames are at their crossroads. With young goalie Dustin Wolf heralded as a new face of the franchise, Calgary may want to shed some valuable veterans, and Andersson, with just one year left on a deal worth $4.55 million, fits the bill perfectly. An Andersson contract could be beneficial for both teams. For Toronto, this would be a low-risk and high-reward option, therefore not interfering with any long-term cap considerations. Having a whopping $25 million plus in cap space with major decisions on John Tavares and Matthew Knies looming, the best course of action might be to acquire Andersson for prospects and picks. He brings scoring from the back end at an elite level, but he also has the grit and hockey sense the Maple Leafs would be desperate for when it comes to facing playoff competition. Also Read: Calgary Flames blueliner Rasmus Andersson appointed Captain of Team Sweden at 2025 World Championship If the Maple Leafs are serious about ending their Stanley Cup drought, acquiring Rasmus Andersson might be a savvy move. His addition would mean the initiation of a more balanced and tougher defensive core, exactly the kind of base Toronto has been dying for to finally make that big postseason breakthrough. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Evaluating 13 possible Rasmus Andersson trade destinations: Dallas? Detroit? Vegas?
The Calgary Flames have spent the last few seasons parting ways with key members of their core. It appears defenseman Rasmus Andersson could be the next significant pillar to go. The 28-year-old Swedish defenseman is ranked atop insider Chris Johnston's latest trade board, as he's about to enter the final year of a six-year contract carrying a $4.55 million cap hit. Considering how small the market will be for top-pairing free agent defensemen, Andersson looks like an attractive commodity. Right-handed defensemen always are viewed as valuable in this league, and the fact that he is cost-controlled for another year could appeal to a handful of teams. Whether teams take on the full $4.55 million cap hit, or pay for retention, he will likely be one of the more cost-effective top-four options compared to a free agent class that should benefit from a rising cap. Andersson has averaged close to 24 minutes a night for the last three seasons, twice reaching double-digit goals in that period. That gave him plenty of opportunities to stare down opposing fans in celebration. Andersson can also be relied upon for power play and penalty killing duties. While he doesn't have one specialty, the all-around game and ability to absorb big minutes tend to interest general managers. Advertisement Andersson's defensive metrics have slipped in recent seasons, but his workload and the team around him add some context to that. Andersson has been tasked with playing matchup minutes in Calgary, without much offensive or defensive support. His primary partner this past season was Kevin Bahl, and while he was solid enough relative to the rest of the Flames' blue line, he isn't top pair caliber, either. Despite some downticks below the surface, he still brings snarl and tenacity against opposing players. And a big part of his slide in defensive play could be attributed to playing through pain. Andersson played the last 12 games of the regular season with a broken fibula. A foot injury hampered much of his 2023-24 season, but he still played 78 games. Andersson only missed three games during the 2022-23 campaign, but he was not at 100 percent after returning from a scooter accident in Detroit, where he was struck by a vehicle. Via HockeyViz Even with the wear and tear, Andersson is still expected to be in demand as his game could still help teams in need of a defenseman. And interested opposing general managers are likely betting on him to rebound away from a retooling Flames team. In the right situation — whether it's a change in system, or role to a more fitting top-four capacity versus a number one or two — another team may be able to maximize what he brings on both ends of the ice. Maybe that helps brighten his current trajectory, which looks a bit underwhelming relative to his reputation. Andersson's top comps — Tom Gilbert, Kevin Bieksa, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Dion Phaneuf — all show where his game could be trending at age 29. But with a stronger season, that could change and make him worth the cost of his next contract. But the Flames are in no rush to move on from Andersson unless they get the package they want. GM Craig Conroy spoke to the media on Thursday morning and acknowledged the possibility that Andersson could still be a member of the Flames come training camp. '(Andersson) has got another year on his contract,' Conroy said. 'I talked to Ras this morning and we're all good. If he's a Calgary Flame in September, he's a Calgary Flame.' Advertisement If you've been keeping up with the Flames in recent years, they've offloaded plenty of talented players through their retool. If you're familiar with how we've covered those players' availability in the past, you know the drill. Here's a list of potential destinations and evaluations of their fit for Andersson. It's not clear what's next for Brent Burns in Raleigh after his contract expires on July 1. Even if Burns returns to the Canes (which he seems to be interested in doing), it will likely be in a different capacity because by the time the Eastern Conference finals rolled around, he looked over-leveraged on the top pair. So management may want to find a stronger option to play alongside Jaccob Slavin. The Canes could go in a few directions here. The team could opt for someone with elite offensive ability, to bring a skill the rest of the blue line is missing, like Erik Karlsson or Noah Dobson. Or, Carolina could look for an all-around defender who can chip in everywhere. Andersson could take on matchup minutes on Slavin's right, and better solidify his game within the Hurricanes' system. Carolina has the cap space to extend him when his next contract expires, too. An up-and-coming defenseman like Scott Morrow could be a Flames target in return. Vegas' interest level may depend on Alex Pietrangelo's status for next year. If his $8.8 million cap hit goes on LTIR, management will look for a replacement to play on Noah Hanifin's right. Andersson knows a thing or two about that. Andersson would be a solid bet for the Golden Knights who, like the Panthers, already have three strong defenders to rely on in the top four. So there isn't an unrealistic expectation for him to be The Guy. What also works in Vegas' favor is Andersson's reasonable cap hit for this season. The team will be in the market for a top-six winger this summer, and a big swing on someone like Mitch Marner is going to eat a lot of cap. Advertisement So, at most, the Golden Knights would be looking at a $4.55 million replacement to replenish their defense. Any cap issues for 2026-27 are a later problem that this team is pretty apt at handling. Behind Moritz Seider, the right side of the Red Wings' defense is seriously lacking. With Jeff Petry's expiring contract expiring, Justin Holl is the only other righty at the NHL level. While there are players in the pipeline like Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Detroit still needs a top-four caliber option for this upcoming season. That could open the door to an Andersson trade. While the Red Wings don't have the same structure as Carolina, to mask any defensive gaps in his game, he would have a different role in Detroit as a top-four guy instead of a top-two. Andersson could help Seider shoulder the burden of top competition, without either necessarily getting overwhelmed by it. The Red Wings have a deep prospect pool and a lot of draft capital to work with to swing a deal. And Detroit has the cap to sign Andersson long-term to get the most bang for their buck. Salary cap constraints are the biggest thing keeping the Stars from being fully invested in a Rasmus Andersson trade. PuckPedia reports that they've only got $980,084 in cap space after signing Jamie Benn to a contract extension. But moving on from a piece like Matt Dumba or Ilya Lyubushkin could make some cap room and upgrade their right side, while still filling needs for offense, defense and toughness. The Stars would already look better with Miro Heiskanen and Andersson occupying the right side of their top four, especially if they could extend him long-term. There could be a need, but engineering a trade might require some delicate salary surgery on the part of Jim Nill. Columbus was close to making the playoffs this past year, but they might experience some significant roster turnover. Defencemen Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro could test the free agent market next month, firmly putting the Jackets in the market for defenders. Our colleague Aaron Portzline listed Andersson as a potential trade target a few days ago. Andersson could be a solid option to play alongside Zack Werenski on the top pair, or a second-pair option with Denton Mateychuk to his left. In any case, the Blue Jackets could make up for some lost pieces at their back end while still having some kind of edge. GM Bill Zito has his work cut out for him, as he once again has to configure his roster while his players celebrate a Stanley Cup victory. If Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand can fit under the cap, a player like Aaron Ekblad might be free to test the market. It means Florida would need a right-shot defenseman in his absence, and Andersson might fit below Seth Jones in their pecking order on a second pair. Advertisement Andersson isn't afraid to get rough and impose himself against opposing players, so there's a good chance he'd fit right into the Panthers' DNA. And Florida's defensive structure should help shore up any holes in his game. Zito also might not have a better right-hand man for insight than Matthew Tkachuk, who played a few seasons with the Swedish defenseman. After adding Michael Kesselring as a part of the JJ Peterka return, the Sabres may not be in the market for another right-handed defender. The plan could be to run a right side of Rasmus Dahlin, Kesselring, and Connor Clifton. But if management wants to shift Dahlin back to his natural side, the left, then the team has to find him a right-handed partner. Andersson could be that, in a role that comes with even strength responsibilities against top competition and penalty killing time. Acquiring him would ensure a Bowen Byram trade in the near future, which already seems pretty likely. After the Peterka deal, the most likely outcome for Buffalo could be Byram in exchange for a top-six forward. But the Flames could actually be a landing spot for Byram, who could use more support on the left behind MacKenzie Weegar. If Vladislav Gavrikov walks as a free agent, the Kings may want some reinforcements on the backend. Andersson wouldn't be a direct replacement for the lefty, but it doesn't hurt to have another top-four option ready to take on meaningful minutes. Maybe his presence in Los Angeles would help management have a succession plan of sorts for Drew Doughty, who can't go head-to-head against top competition forever. The Kings have the cap space to fit Andersson this year, and an extension next year. He could make sense alongside Brandt Clarke on the second pair, or next to Mikey Anderson if the coaching staff wanted to make some changes from last year's mainstay top combination. His presence could buy Jordan Spence more time to develop in a sheltered role on the third pair, unless management flips him for more goal support up front. The Kings have draft capital to spend, or could flip one of their up-and-coming skaters to swing a trade. The Sens are a bit of a dark horse in the Andersson sweepstakes. There may be questions about a potential fit between Andersson and Thomas Chabot on the second pair. But the Sens shouldn't be knocked for at least inquiring about adding another defenseman if it came to that. Despite Nick Jensen already taking steps in his recovery from a persistent hip injury, some questions remain over the Sens' blue line next fall. Advertisement Adding Andersson to the Sens' blue line would give them another piece who can provide offence from the back end. The Sens use Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot as their power-play quarterbacks, but Andersson could be an alternate when needed. Andersson also has some playoff experience, something the young Sens would surely lean on. Andersson could make sense on Victor Hedman's right (if JJ Moser shifts back to his natural side on the left), or as a replacement for Erik Cernak. The Lightning are up against the cap and still have to find a way to improve the forward group. So flipping Cernak, a hard-nosed defenseman could bring back a forward and cap savings, if management can navigate around his no-trade clause. As important as he is to that second pair, he isn't the driver —that's Ryan McDonagh. Cernak is signed for another six seasons, with a $5.20 million cap hit. Andersson's less than that at full value, and could be lower with retention. The Lightning will have more space to work with when in 2026 to handle a potential extension. The Lightning don't have a ton of trade assets, but the rights to Isaac Howard and draft capital could move the needle. The further out the pick, the more valuable it could be with their window in mind. The Bruins want to claw back into the playoffs after a lost season. It means building around David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy. There are worse foundations to build off of. Boston has draft pick capital and youngsters as assets for a potential trade, and enough cap space to accommodate an extension for Andersson. Even if they sign pending UFA Henri Jokiharju to an extension, plugging Andersson as a top-four defenseman would help their depth on the right side behind McAvoy to solidify the second pair with Nikita Zadorov. He'd also reunite with former Flames castoffs Elias Lindholm and Zadorov in Boston. Advertisement It is not uncommon for the Flames to trade with a division rival, even during this retool. Conroy flipped Lindholm and Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks within months of each other. Conroy also tried to get sufficient pieces and cap flexibility that would help stomach the blow of potentially seeing either player in Vancouver for the long term. Ironically, both Lindholm and Zadorov are in Boston now. Vancouver's right side could benefit from an offensive infusion to their defense group. If Tyler Myers isn't part of the return, he could fall into the team's third pairing and leave Noah Juulsen and Elias Nils Pettersson as rotational depth players. If Andersson extended with Vancouver, however, that might hurt a tinge more for Flames fans. The Avalanche are a bit of a long shot considering their asset pool and current cap situation. But this team should be in the market for help on defense. Colorado only has four defenders signed for next year: Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Sam Girard, and Josh Manson. Sam Malinski is an RFA on the right side, turning the attention to the left side of the third pair. But maybe management should consider other changes to the right as well; to make cap room, the Avs could try to move the last year of Josh Manson's contract and replace him with Andersson (with cap retention). The big question is whether the team can put together a package that interest the Flames, especially when the demand for right-handed defensemen is so high. Data via Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, HockeyStatCards, All Three Zones, Natural Stat Trick, and CapWages. This story relies on shot-based metrics; here is a primer on these numbers (Top photo of Rasmus Andersson: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blue Jackets Rumors: Waddell Looking At "Impact Moves"
The 2025 NHL Draft is just hours away, and Don Waddell holds two first-round picks. He prefers not to use them and to instead trade them to improve his team, so what will he do? Another day, another rumor, and they won't stop until this is over. Advertisement Marco D'Amico reports that the CBJ are not only interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but have "been in on him for a while now," and that "it goes back to the trade deadline. He's one of a few guys I know Don is following up on.' D'Amico also says that Waddell is pushing hard for Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, but Elliotte Friedman says the Jackets won't be players for Dobson. Waddell told the media yesterday that he's had trade talks with a few teams and could move up 8th or higher range. He said yesterday, 'We'll make our hockey club better for today, but we've also got to guard the future. So, if we end up keeping both (first-round) picks and picking them, then we'll get players for the future. I'm still pretty confident there's something that's going to break here before the draft, and if it happens, great. If it doesn't, we'll move forward." One of D'Amico's sources also told him, 'It's no secret that Don wants to improve his goaltending. I know they've talked to the Canucks about [Thatcher] Demko before, but it seems like the Canucks may sign him to an extension. So what about [Arturs] Šilovs?" Advertisement The Canucks have a goalie problem of their own in that they have too many, so why not use one as trade bait? I suspect Šilovs is off the table, so would Waddel pursue Thatcher Demko? The American goaltender has had some injury concerns, but could still be a really good goalie. Kevin Lankinen probably isn't going anywhere either. With all this goalie talk, Waddell still has one problem - What to do with Elvis Merzļikins? That's the $5.4 million question. If you follow the Columbus Blue Jackets, get ready for the next two days as the moves could make your head spin. Let us know what you think below. Advertisement Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story. Blue Jackets Acquire Brendan Gaunce From Wild Blue Jackets Acquire Brendan Gaunce From Wild The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have acquired Brendan Gaunce from the Minnesota Wild today in exchange for forward Cameron Butler. Daniil Tarasov Traded To Florida Panthers Daniil Tarasov Traded To Florida Panthers Pierre LeBrun has reported that goalie Daniil Tarasov has been traded to the Florida Panthers today. REPORT: NHL, NHLPA Set To Announce New CBA On Friday REPORT: NHL, NHLPA Set To Announce New CBA On Friday If you're an old NHL fan like me, when CBA's are brought up, it immediately gives me anxiety. In 2004, an NHL lockout resulted in the cancellation of the entire season, which revolved around a salary cap. That lockout is the reason the Blue Jackets are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 25-26, instead of last season. Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 NHL Mock Draft Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 NHL Mock Draft Welcome to the Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Mock Draft.
National Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Amidst trade rumours, Flames GM says Rasmus Andersson could start next season in Calgary
As trade speculation swirls, Calgary Flames fans would do anything for a glimpse at the call log on Craig Conroy's cell phone. Article content They'd love to know who has been inquiring about Rasmus Andersson, which rival general managers are angling to trade for the workhorse defenceman and what they're willing to offer in exchange. Article content Article content Conroy isn't going to divulge those details, of course, although he confirmed that he did have one important conversation Thursday, on the eve of the 2025 NHL Draft. Article content 'I talked to Ras this morning and we're all good,' Conroy said during an early afternoon media scrum at the Saddledome. 'If he's a Calgary Flame in September, he's a Calgary Flame.' Article content There's no guarantee that Andersson will still be a Flame by the end of the weekend, though. Article content As he enters the final year of his current contract, it has been rumoured that the 28-year-old blueliner is ready for a change of scenery. Article content There are several contending teams that could benefit from the addition of a big-minute rearguard, especially one with a right-shot curve on his stick, so there should be widespread interest. Article content Despite posting a miserable minus-38 rating in 2024-25, Andersson can handle tough matchups, can contribute in the offensive zone and has a reputation as a strong voice in the locker room. He was selected as Sweden's captain at the world championship tournament. Article content Article content Andersson also showed his toughness and competitive streak by playing the final few weeks of this past season with a broken fibula. He continued to rack up blocked shots, finishing fourth among all NHLers with 196. Article content Article content It's certainly possible that Conroy will receive a trade offer he can't refuse prior to (or during) Friday's first round of the draft. Maybe he's already mulling a couple of potential packages. Article content Article content On Thursday, however, he was sending the rest of the league a message that he won't be rushed into a deal. A contract extension for Andersson seems unlikely, especially since the Flames have an impressive stable of defence prospects, but Conroy was adamant that 'we're never going to close a door.' Article content 'You gotta look at it — Ras has got another year on his contract,' Conroy reminded. 'There's nothing that I would say is going to happen or not going to happen. You know, we would never do it in the media anyways. We're just going to go about our business and try to make the team better, with the draft coming up and free agency. Article content '(Andersson) loves being a Flame,' he added. 'If he's a Flame next year, he's good with anything. He's wide open and he's going to do his best. And he knows it's a contract year, too, so he wants to have a great year. He wants to be in the Olympics. All those things are so important to him.'
National Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Calgary Flames' draft-week primer: Picks, history, potential targets and more
Is it Friday yet? Article content That's the feeling around the Saddledome and for hockey fans in all sorts of other offices too, now that we're just days away from the 2025 NHL Draft. The prospect-picking starts with Friday's televised first round. Article content Article content If the Flames are your favourite team, here's everything you need to know to be ready for what is always a busy week. Article content Craig Conroy & Co. will have to wait for handshakes and photo ops with the newest additions to the Flames' pipeline. Article content Article content The 2025 NHL Draft is 'decentralized,' similar to the model used by the NFL and NBA. While the top prospects will be gathered at Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the teams will submit the picks virtually from their respective home cities. Article content Conroy, director of amateur scouting Tod Button and the rest of the Flames' braintrust will set up draft headquarters at the Saddledome. Article content Friday's first round will be broadcast on Sportsnet at 5 p.m. MT. Rounds 2-7 run Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. MT. Article content This is an easy one. Article content There are always some major trades during draft week and Flames defence workhorse Rasmus Andersson is among the big names who could potentially be on the move. Article content Andersson, 28, is about to enter the final year of his contract in Calgary. The two sides have had preliminary conversations about the possibility of an extension, but the insiders seem convinced a trade is the most likely outcome. Article content Article content As Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wrote in his latest 32 Thoughts: 'The feeling across the league is the talented defenceman is ready for something new. I believe the Flames are willing, but only when they get what they want. There's significant interest, which helps.' Article content Article content Conroy can wait this out. He has already proven his patience as a general manager and he shouldn't feel pressured to make a move until closer to the trade deadline.
