Slight Chance Flames & Andersson Could Pull Off Unexpected Move

The Calgary Flames are just three points out of a playoff spot and there's still plenty of opportunity to become a playoff team this season after a horrible start. Not many teams are out of the race yet and the Flames have been shown continued support that they can become a playoff contender without retooling in a big way or having to rebuild.

Rasmus Andersson is one of a few big-name Flames that have been constantly surrounded with trade rumors, and he does seem like the most likely considering his contract is ending after this season and Zayne Perekh has arrived. The timing just works out for Andersson to move on, but that is an important piece to lose for nothing or to get rid of when the Flames are trying to win.

Chris Johnston said, "I do think the Flames would have interest in keeping Rasmus Andersson, but it's only at a certain price point, it might be only a certain number of years. If he wants to maximize his earnings, he might have to go somewhere else."

The Flames have over $17 million in cap space and don't have any big named players besides Dustin Wolf and Andersson to sign before next season. Both are going to get big contracts. Wolf's will be larger and have more term, but I can see Andersson getting a similar deal to Jake Walman of the Edmonton Oilers if he sticks around, and push past $7 million AAV for seven years if he goes elsewhere with how the market is headed.

It's not easy to find a competent right-shot defenseman like Andersson. He has led the team in ice time per game this season at 24:10, more than Mackenzie Weegar, and has logged the most time on the power play and penalty kill per game amongst defensemen. He is showing he can be a number one defenseman while Weegar shifts into more of a defensive-minded defenseman. With Perekh likely being able to step into a large offensive role, this creates a strong trio of players for a handful of years when the Flames are looking to stay relevant.