The Detroit Red Wings are putting together an impressive season. Sitting second in the Atlantic Division, Detroit has won four of its last five games, even after seeing its streak snapped with a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
With the Red Wings firmly in the playoff picture and aiming for a deep postseason run, the front office is expected to explore upgrades ahead of the trade deadline. One name now drawing serious attention in Detroit is Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Red Wings Eye Rasmus Andersson, but Set Clear Boundaries
Andersson is in the final year of his six-year, $27.3 million contract and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. With Calgary’s playoff hopes fading and no extension in place, the Flames are believed to be open to moving key pieces, potentially before the February 6-25 Olympic break.
Detroit isn’t alone in its interest. The Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators are also reportedly monitoring Andersson’s availability, setting up what could become a competitive bidding process.
According to RG Media, an NHL executive said the Red Wings would move forward only if Andersson agrees to a contract extension as part of the trade. The same source added that Detroit has drawn firm lines around two of its young defensemen, with Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin Pellikka considered completely off limits.
That stance complicates any potential deal, especially given Detroit’s desire to add Andersson without sacrificing core pieces of its blue-line future. Despite those challenges, there’s a growing belief that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is ready to be aggressive.
Insider Chris Johnston recently said, “Given how long and how patient they’ve been, Steve Yzerman is gonna be aggressive, I think, at this deadline,” Johnston said. They have to do everything they can from a management standpoint to back up what their players have done.”
Other teams may already be positioning themselves ahead of Detroit. Boston, for example, has reportedly floated a strong offer, with one NHL source noting that defenseman Mason Lohrei and a Bruins first-round pick are in play. However, no deal has been finalized.
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As for Ottawa, while no specific names have surfaced, league chatter suggests the Senators remain focused on adding a right-shot, top-four defenseman as they try to stabilize their lineup.
For now, Detroit’s approach remains clear: Pursue upgrades, but not at the expense of its long-term core. How that strategy plays out could shape the trade market in the coming weeks.
The Red Wings will turn their attention back to the ice next, as they prepare to face the San Jose Sharks on Friday.
