Flames Trade Rasmus Andersson to Golden Knights
In a significant trade, the Calgary Flames have sent defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. This move marks the end of Andersson’s decade-long tenure with the Flames, where he built a strong reputation as a top performer.
Trade Details
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet, the Flames will receive several assets in return for Andersson:
- Zach Whitecloud (defenseman)
- Abram Wiebe (prospect)
- A 2027 first-round draft pick
- A conditional 2027 second-round draft pick that will become a first if Vegas wins the Stanley Cup this year
As part of the agreement, the Flames will retain 50% of Andersson’s salary. This transaction is notable given Andersson’s contributions over the years.
Andersson’s Career Highlights
Rasmus Andersson, selected 53rd overall by the Flames in the 2015 NHL Draft, has had an impressive career:
- Ten years with the Flames
- 584 games played
- 57 goals
- 261 points
- Over 24 minutes of average ice time per game this season
- Ten goals and thirty assists in 48 games this season
At 29 years old, Andersson is in the final year of a six-year, $27.3 million contract. He carries a $4.5 million cap hit and is expected to seek a raise in the near future. Notably, he will represent Sweden at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan.
Whitecloud and Wiebe’s Background
In return, the Flames receive Zach Whitecloud and Abram Wiebe:
- Zach Whitecloud (29 years old):
- A long-time member of the Golden Knights
- Has 23 goals and 55 assists in 368 NHL games
- Played a key role in Vegas winning the Stanley Cup in 2023
- This season, he has two goals and five assists across 47 games
- Abram Wiebe (22 years old):
- A collegiate player at the University of North Dakota
- Has recorded three goals and 11 assists in 24 games
- Drafted 209th overall by the Golden Knights in the seventh round of the 2022 NHL Draft
Future Implications for the Flames
The Calgary Flames now hold the first-round picks of the Golden Knights for both 2026 and 2027. They acquired the first-round pick for 2026 as part of another trade earlier in the 2023-24 season involving Noah Hanifin. This strategic move could signal a shift in their rebuilding efforts, while allowing them to leverage their current assets for a stronger future.
