The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a rough time getting on track this season. They currently sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 15-14-5 record and have lost four of their last five games.
With the struggles continuing, Toronto is expected to look for help on the trade market. One name linked to the Leafs is a $27.3 million Calgary Flames defenseman, who has now spoken out about the trade rumors surrounding him.
Maple Leafs’ $27.3M Trade Target Addresses NHL Trade Talk
The player drawing interest from Toronto is Rasmus Andersson. Andersson is in the final year of his six-year, $27.3 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season if no extension is reached.
The Leafs were reportedly interested in the veteran defenseman last year as well, but a deal never came together.
Speaking with the “After Hours” panel, Andersson shared his thoughts on the rumors and his contract situation. “It’s a trade freeze right now, so I can breathe easy. Honestly, what is there to say, really? I mean, we all know my contract situation. nothing has changed from the summer until now.”
He also pushed back on the idea, often raised by insider Elliotte Friedman, that he has been wavering about his future. Andersson said his attention has been entirely on playing his best hockey for the Flames, and he feels things have been going well.
“I sometimes I just laugh when I read that I’m indecisive in my decisions and stuff like that. So it humors me,” he added.
Rasmus Andersson gives his thoughts on a potential trade and his next contract.
“It takes two to tango. Let’s leave it at that.”
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When asked whether he would choose to stay in Calgary if the decision were entirely up to him, Andersson kept his response balanced. “It takes two to tango,” he said. “Obviously, I love every second of me playing for the Flames, and I have been in the organization now for almost 11 years, and loved every second of it. But let’s just leave it at.”
He also brushed off the idea that the outside noise has become a distraction. Andersson said it comes with the territory when a player is in the final year of a contract. He pointed out that NHL players are always under the microscope, but he no longer lets outside opinions affect him.
So far this season, Andersson has 25 points in 36 games and carries a six-team no-trade clause. Still, he remains a valuable player. And his trade market could be strong for Calgary if the Flames decide to move him.
