Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson has addressed weeks of rumors about a potential move to the Los Angeles Kings. He confirmed that he turned down a significant offer from another NHL team earlier this summer.
The 28-year-old Swedish blueliner, entering the final year of his six-year, $27.3 million contract, reportedly rejected what was described as a “breathtaking” long-term deal.
Rasmus Andersson Addresses LA Kings Trade Rumors
The reason, Andersson explained, was personal. After discussions with his family, he decided he was not ready to relocate them or commit to a lengthy contract with that particular club.
“I talked to my family and thought that right then and there, I wasn’t really keen on moving my family there and signing a long-term contract, that’s what it all came down to. I communicated that decision to Calgary,” he shared.
Since then, he says communication with the Flames has gone quiet, with no talks on a trade or an extension for over a month.
Reports from TSN’s Darren Dreger alleged that the Kings were among the teams pushing aggressively for Andersson’s services. Dreger described one proposal as “phenomenal.”
Andersson acknowledged that a terrific offer came in, but stopped short of confirming it was from Los Angeles, keeping the team’s identity undisclosed.
He also dismissed claims that he told the Flames he would only agree to a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, calling that information false.
Andersson emphasized that while he has provided Calgary with a list of teams he would consider signing with if traded, it includes multiple options, and the team behind the rejected bid was not one of them.
The defenceman’s contract includes a six-team no-trade clause, giving him partial control over his destination. With no extension in place and unrestricted free agency looming in July 2026, his future with Calgary remains uncertain.
Flames and Andersson at a Standstill
Andersson is coming off a season where he logged heavy minutes, scoring 11 goals and adding 20 assists in 81 games. Despite that production, there has been little movement toward a new deal. The Flames reportedly explored trade options earlier in the offseason, with Ottawa and Los Angeles also linked to him.
Once July 1 passed without an extension, speculation intensified. With significant salary-cap flexibility, Calgary has been rumored to be interested in using Andersson as part of a package for top talent, including, allegedly, Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
The lack of progress has left Andersson’s status as one of Calgary’s most-watched storylines heading into the season. If no agreement is reached by midseason, he is expected to attract strong interest leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
