For months now the sticking point question, and the biggest question, facing the Flames has been what is going on with Rasmus Andersson? The 28-year-old veteran right shot d-man is in the final year of a 6-year contract worth $4.55 million AAV and has yet to re-sign with the team. The rumors began swirling in the summer months which has since been shot down by Andersson himself that he would only be willing to sign with one or two teams, speaking to media at the Flames Charity Golf Classic, Andersson addressed the rumours with his trademark snarky flair, “It’s the furthest from the truth ever, me and Connie (Flames general manager Craig Conroy) have had a few conversations over the summer, I would never handcuff him and give him one team.”
So, the market isn’t the issue for a trade. The other options for why a trade hasn’t been made yet are, the offers are below what Conroy wants in return (likely), or teams are worried that Andersson won’t sign with their team. Yet another possibility occurs to me, keeping Andersson around long term. Also at the Charity Golf Classic, Andersson said, “I’ve grown up in this city, and I said it at the press conference at the end of last year I mean I’ve loved every second of it, that will never change now it’s the business side of it, you know, is it smart of me to resign now after last season, I don’t know, I read all season about how much I suck so it is what it is.” Considering the comments, it’s clear that he’s open to staying, adding on “It’s a great city, it’s a great organization to play for and I think it always will be.”
This next contract is likely to be his last shot at a massive contract, motivated by that he’ll look to have a monster season. If the Flames come out flying and are in a playoff position by the trade deadline it could be worth considering Andersson as an own rental and potentially work on a new contract when the season is over making Rasmus Andersson a career Flame.
No matter what happens expect a massive season for Rasmus Andersson, and a return of what makes him a top pairing defenseman in the NHL.