Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson is entering a new phase of trade speculation. He’s in the final year of his $27.3 million contract with no extension in place, and that uncertainty has only intensified the rumors.
Now, an insider has pointed to a $45.5 million St. Louis Blues defenceman as a backup option for teams that might miss out on Andersson.
Who is the $45.5M Blues Defenseman Being Discussed as a Backup for Rasmus Andersson?
On Sportsnet, NHL insider Nick Kypreos released his first trade board of the season, breaking down several potential trade candidates. He described Andersson as the most anticipated trade chip out of Calgary. “The 29-year-old has a six-team no-trade list and is one of those high-value right-shot defencemen every team needs,” he added.
Andersson has also boosted his trade value lately, putting up 10 points in his last five games, including three assists in Calgary’s 5–2 win over Vancouver on Sunday. If he becomes available, he will be a major addition for any contender.
Kypreos then moved on to the St. Louis Blues defenceman Justin Faulk as a potential fallback option for teams that can’t acquire Andersson. He noted, “Faulk, 33, is very attractive on the trade market. He is kind of seen as an option for teams to look at if they lose out on acquiring Andersson.”
Faulk is in the sixth year of his 7-year, $45,500,000 contract and holds a 15-team no-trade list, which makes him more movable than his fellow defenceman Colton Parayko. Because of that, he’s the Blues defenceman drawing the most attention on Kypreos’ trade board.
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Andersson Reacts to the Trade Rumors
Speaking to Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, Andersson said he hasn’t spent much time thinking about the rumors. He joked, “It’s funny, I read some of these comments, and sometimes I’m like, ‘it’s crazy that some of the insiders know more about my life than myself.”
He said he can’t control what insiders report and tries not to take any of it too seriously. Since the season started, Andersson hasn’t even thought about his contract situation. “I honestly haven’t even thought about my contract since the season started. I just try to play, enjoy it, and whatever happens, happens, and that’s kind of the mentality I’ve had towards it,” he added.
The Flames will next face the Tampa Bay Lightning on the road on Wednesday.