Holdup In Likely Bruins Trade With Flames Has Seemingly Been Settled

The Boston Bruins are trying to trade for Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames, but it has been a struggle, and not just for them. Andersson hasn't exactly been keen on signing an extension thus far, but that might have recently changed.

Jimmy Murphy reported, "Hearing through some source who said the Bruins were out on Andersson because of no extension, that Andersson changed his mind and he, the Bruins, and Flames, are 'on the same page now.'"

A trade with an extension is going to cost a fair bit more than if Andersson wasn't willing to sign, and that's a good enough reason for the Bruins, who are in a playoff spot and have won five games in a row, had seemingly pulled out. The standings change every day, and even with the acquisition of Andersson, there isn't a guarantee and no cushion on a playoff spot at the moment.

For the Bruins to get Andersson, it should be able to push them into a playoff spot and continue with the retooling that has gone on and put them on the right path. If Boston does acquire him and nothing really comes of the season, the expectation is that he is around for at least 5-7 more years.

Right now, Andrew Peeke and Henri Jokiharju are both third pairing caliber defensemen, so it makes a lot of sense for the Bruins to be going after a target like Andersson, who can fit on the second pair behind Charlie McAvoy or step up if he's injured. Injuries hurt the Bruins last season, and a move like this would help soften the blow and move the team back into contender status.

The Flames are going to want a nice return back. It has been speculated that Andersson with an extension will cost the Bruins Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick, in which the Bruins have two of them due to the Brandon Carlo deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Boston has gotten a surprise NHL player in Jonathan Aspirot, so Lohrei is movable, and the team is without Hampus Lindholm a lot due to injury. Andersson is having a very good season for the Flames and can play a lot in all situations. This kind of trade between the Bruins and Flames might come together sooner than later.