The Calgary Flames are hoping to build upon their 2024-25 success. However, they may need to do so without one of their best defenseman. Rasmus Andersson has been subjected to trade rumors throughout the summer. And it does not appear as if the noise around the Flames star is settling down any time soon.
Calgary has discussed a potential trade involving Andersson throughout the summer. At one point, a deal with a team was thought to be close. However, it did not go through, and he remains a member of this roster.
At this point, Andersson is likely to be with the Flames when the 2025-26 NHL season begins. However, the team knows he is not long for the franchise. Calgary captain Mikael Backlund admitted as much when speaking at the NHL’s European Player Media Tour.
“Yeah, he’s getting traded. It’s obvious,” Backlund said, via The Athletic’s Michael Russo. “But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. So, just go out and play.”
Mikael Backlund Has Spoken With Rasmus Andersson
Derek Cain/Getty ImagesThe Calgary Flames have reportedly entertained trade offers for Rasmus Andersson.
How these trade talks affect teams can go a number of ways. There are teams that generally handle these situations internally, and performance doesn’t suffer. In saying this, they can usually turn into a distraction, as a player’s teammates end up needing to answer questions about his future.
Backlund mentioned that he has spoken with Andersson about this. The Flames captain said he was disheartened to see things reach this point. And being a distraction is the last thing Andersson wants to be for his teammates.
“I talked to him, too, and he doesn’t want to be a distraction. So it’s all good. It’s too bad it’s come to this. I don’t think that they’re close to getting an agreement or anything, but you never know. Things could change. We’ll see,” Backlund said, via Russo.
Why Flames Are Entertaining Andersson Trade Offers
Trade rumors are nothing new for the Flames or Andersson. He appeared to be one of the top trade candidates at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. However, Calgary climbed the standings, and the team generally resisted any trade advances to begin with.
However, things have changed drastically. Calgary and Andersson discussed a new contract before July 1, when NHL Free Agency began. The star defenseman was not a free agent this summer, but his deal expires next summer.
The Flames and Andersson tried to reach a consensus. Unfortunately, it appears these talks went nowhere. In fact, it seems as if the bridge may have been burnt entirely. The Flames began gaguing Andersson’s value on the trade market following these failed discussions.
There is always time for things to change. Andersson could want to remain in Calgary, for instance. The Flames could see the value in having their star defender around for a playoff push. Cooler heads can prevail, but from Backlund’s reaction, it may be the unlikely outcome in this situation.
Rasmus Andersson Trade Rumors Draw Blunt Reaction From Flames Star