The Flames Original Asking Price for Rasmus Andersson Revealed: It's Bonkers
Ramus Andersson was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 18, 2026. The Golden Knights paid a pretty penny for a right-shot defenseman who has yet to sign an extension with the team.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon's entire philosophy is a mercenary outlook to building a roster, whatever it takes, quick turnover, and for those who don't fit, an unceremonious exit.
As the team has entered the Stanley Cup playoffs under newly-hired head coach John Tortorella, you have to wonder how meaningful Andersson has been.
Acquired in trade for defenseman Zach Whitecloud, defenseman Abram Wiebe, a 2027 1st-round pick, and a 2028 2nd-round pick, Craig Conroy cleaned up quite well.
He adds two more draft picks to a rebuilding organization.
What has Andersson done for the Golden Knights as a top-four defenseman? In 33 games as an RHD for the Knights, he's scored 17 points (7-10).
6 of those points have come on the power-play (4-2), and in his last ten games, he's scored 9 points (5-4). He's turned into an impact player.
Andersson has found his groove with the Golden Knights, earning five goals and four assists over his last 10 games. The defenseman is up to 17 goals, 46 points, 176 shots on net, 148 blocked shots and 71 PIM across 80 appearances between Vegas and Calgary. Andersson would need a huge performance in the regular-season finale to get to the 50-point mark, but this season will still land in the upper range of his usual production.
But as someone who hasn't signed an extension, this could spell bad news for the Golden Knights.
GM Craig Conroy's Original Asking Price for Ramus Andersson
The original cost that the Flames wanted to extort from the Maple Leafs was exorbitant, even for an RHD of Andersson's caliber. NHL Insider Darren Dreger expanded upon what the Flames GM hoped to get in return for the former Flames defenseman.
Darren Dreger: I believe the Flames wanted two 1sts and Easton Cowan for Rasmus Andersson - First Up (4/13)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) April 18, 2026
Andersson found his groove in Vegas, ending the regular season with 47 points (17-30) in 81 games this season.
However, GM Conroy's original ask from the Toronto Maple Leafs is bonkers, as no one should be paying that kind of price for a sub-50-point defenseman such as Andersson.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
