NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Teams Linked To Flames' Rasmus Andersson
With one year left on his $4.55M deal and no extension in place, Rasmus Andersson could be the next Calgary Flame on the move.
The 28-year-old right-shot defenseman is a proven top-four player with back-to-back 49+ point seasons. If the Flames commit to a full retool, contenders and up-and-coming teams alike will come calling. Here's a breakdown of five possible trade destinations linked to Rasmus Andersson by Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet.
Buffalo Sabres: Need Meets Fit
The Sabres are loaded with lefties—Dahlin, Power, Byram—but lack a top-end right-shot defender. Andersson could solidify their top four while Calgary could covet Bowen Byram, a B.C. native who played AAA in Alberta. Byram’s youth and skill would align perfectly with Calgary’s transition timeline, especially with Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz rising on the right side.
Rasmus Andersson was playing with a broken fibula at the end of the season. Wow.
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) April 19, 2025
🎥: FlamesTV | #Flames pic.twitter.com/BtyevIyEPA
Carolina Hurricanes: Reloading the Blue Line
With Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov approaching free agency and younger options still developing, Carolina could use Andersson’s puck-moving skill as a bridge to the future. The Hurricanes own two 2026 first-round picks and plenty of prospects, giving them the ammo for a win-now move to complement Jaccob Slavin and sustain their playoff window.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Treliving Connection
GM Brad Treliving, who drafted Andersson in 2015, may be tempted to reunite. Toronto could ice a formidable right side with Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, and Andersson. Cap space is an issue, and a deal involving Morgan Rielly (NMC permitting) might offset the cost. However, with few top prospects left and no first-round picks until 2028, the Leafs would need to get creative.
From Eric Francis' new piece on Rasmus Andersson ... I hope the Flames agree pic.twitter.com/vRab2bXveD
— Mike Gould (@miketgould) April 20, 2025
Dallas Stars: Fixing a Long-Term Need
After multiple playoff heartbreaks, Dallas may want a long-term fix for their right side. Andersson would pair well behind Miro Heiskanen, giving them a mobile, rangy top four. Calgary might be intrigued by Mavrik Bourque, a 23-year-old RFA forward with upside. The Stars have depth to deal from and motivation to tweak their core.
Montreal Canadiens: Bridge to Reinbacher
The Canadiens want a second-line center but might also explore improving their blue line. Andersson would upgrade the right side while David Reinbacher develops. Montreal has the picks and NHL-ready prospects Calgary desires. At 28, Andersson fits their rebuild-to-contend timeline and could eventually transition to the second pair when Reinbacher takes over.
Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images