The Calgary Flames appear poised to reshape their blue line ahead of the NHL Draft, with Rasmus Andersson emerging as a potential trade centerpiece. Multiple sources report that several teams have reached out regarding the veteran defenseman, signalling what one insider described as “open season” on trade talks involving the 27-year-old Swede.
Flames GM Craig Conroy Keeps Rasmus Andersson Trade Door Open
General manager Craig Conroy has not publicly confirmed that Andersson is available, but his recent remarks leave the door wide open. “I’m not going to say yes or no… I have to see what’s best for the organization,” Conroy told TSN when asked about Andersson’s future.
Andersson is under contract through 2026–27 on a six-year, $27.3 million deal ($4.55 million AAV). He posted 11 goals and 20 assists in 81 games during the 2024–25 campaign while anchoring Calgary’s top defensive pair. Still, insiders say the Flames are now listening to offers.
“I know Craig’s phone is lighting up right now,” one source told RG.org. “The Flames are definitely listening and exploring their options. I’m hearing the Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Canadiens, and Bruins have all looked into Andersson.”
Craig Conroy met with the media ahead of tomorrow’s NHL draft.
He gave updates on Rasmus Andersson, Connor Zary, Kevin Bahl, Dan Vladar, Anthony Mantha, Kevin Rooney and how his draft meetings are going.
(🎥: @NHLFlames/X) pic.twitter.com/z17CyCs8iV
— FlamesNation (@FlamesNation) June 27, 2025
The Ottawa Senators have also shown preliminary interest, although Andersson reportedly has a six-team no-trade list that includes Ottawa, according to The Score.
Cap Space and Depth Fuel Interest From Five Clubs
What’s fueling the surge in trade interest? Cap flexibility and defensive needs.
According to PuckPedia, the Blue Jackets currently have around $40.4 million in projected cap space. The Bruins are at $23 million, the Red Wings at $21.3 million, the Senators at $10.7 million, and the Canadiens at just over $6 million.
“The Blue Jackets make a ton of sense,” the source added. “They have all that space, they have two first-round picks this year, prospects, and some are NHL-ready. The Bruins — I can see that too, after they lost Brandon Carlo on the right. That would be a heck of a top four with a healthy Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy alongside Andersson.”
“I broke my fibula against Seattle.”
Rasmus Andersson reveals that he played the final 12 games of the season with a broken fibula. pic.twitter.com/Uvl7EDlFPG
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 19, 2025
Meanwhile, Montreal has draft capital and prospects but would likely need to move NHL players to make room for Andersson’s cap hit. Detroit remains a wildcard with enough room and a clear need to bolster their back end.
Calgary’s Defensive Picture Going Forward
Why would the Flames trade one of their most reliable defensemen? Two reasons: roster transition and internal depth. Calgary has young right-handed prospects like Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz ready to compete, making Andersson an expendable trade chip.
As the draft approaches, the odds of a deal materializing appear to be rising. Sources suggest Calgary could seek a first-round pick and NHL-ready talent in return.
Should Andersson be moved, it would mark a significant shift in Calgary’s defensive strategy, one aimed at getting younger and more financially flexible, while leveraging a valuable asset at peak trade value.
