The Calgary Flames have had a tough time finding consistency this season. They’re coming off a 6-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and currently sit second-last in the Pacific Division with a 13-17-4 record.
With the struggles mounting, speculation has begun to grow that Calgary may make roster changes. At the center of that talk is Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, whose name has been circulating heavily in trade rumors.
Rasmus Andersson Addresses Trade Speculation
Andersson is in the final year of his six-year, $27.3 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent if an extension isn’t reached. While the Flames have reportedly held trade discussions involving him, Andersson has turned down at least one previously rumored proposal.
Trade talk around Andersson isn’t new. His name came up in rumors during the offseason, but he made it clear then that he wasn’t ready to move. Now, with Calgary struggling and no contract extension in place, that speculation has resurfaced.
Speaking with RG Media, Andersson said his focus remains on the present. “I’m not really looking that deep yet. I’m trying to focus on the Flames. I hope I remain here this season and then we’ll see what happens in the future”. He noted uncertainty comes with the business side of it and that he isn’t looking too far ahead.
Andersson also acknowledged that part of the situation is out of his control. “I can’t speak to what’s going to happen,” he said. “I only have a six-team no-trade clause, so there’s a lot I can’t control. I just try to take it day by day, and then we’ll see what happens.”
Trade buzz around Andersson intensified following a blockbuster deal involving Quinn Hughes, who was reportedly moved by the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild last week. Andersson’s value has also climbed thanks to his strong play this season, with seven goals and 22 points through 34 games.
ALSO READ: Insider Reveals Flames Star Rasmus Andersson’s ‘Wishlist’ of 2 NHL Heavyweights Amid Trade Rumors
Despite sitting near the bottom of the standings, the Flames have shown signs of life, winning four of their last six games. “We’re all digging in a little bit more than we did at the start,” he said. “The start was, obviously, sloppy… Then we left October behind us, and we had a pretty good November. Now, we’ve just gotta keep climbing.”
With the season moving toward the NHL Trade Freeze on December 20, it remains to be seen what the Flames ultimately decide to do with Andersson.
