NHL Rumors: Flames & Senators Emerging as Trade Partners

The Calgary Flames are taking trade calls on defenceman Rasmus Andersson, and when it comes to potential destinations, keep an eye on the Ottawa Senators.

The Sens are in the market for a right-handed shot d-man and Andersson fits their bill. Hockey insider David Pagnotta recently commented on the potential of a deal in a recent article, which has started to get the rumor mill spinning between these two franchises. 

I wonder how aggressive Ottawa will get in their pursuit of Rasmus Andersson, whom the Calgary Flames are taking offers on.

Andersson, 28, has one season left on his contract at $4.55 million AAV. He owns a six-team no-trade clause, so he'll certainly have some say in the matter, albeit limited. Last season with the Flames, the mobile defenceman averaged 23:59 of ice-time per game, scored 11 goals and 31 points in 81 games. He plays both sides of special teams,  is a great skater, and isn't afraid to use his body, blocking a career-high 196 shots. 

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has also recently reported on Andersson's future, stating it's expected the Flames defenceman would prefer a change of scenery: 

The Senators, on the other hand, own a 2025 first-round pick at next week's NHL Draft, and have $10.7 million in cap space. They have a number of forwards who are going to draw interest from other teams, including Drake Batherson, and Shane Pinto.

Keep an eye on these two Canadian teams. They line up as potential trade suitors, and if a deal is struck, the likes of Pinto and Andersson could be involved.

Photo credit:  David Kirouac-Imagn Images