Calgary Flames Respond To Rising Questions Surrounding Rasmus Andersson's Future
Flames' Rasmus Andersson stirred up trade talks and with a lot of theories buzzing around, the team has decided to speak up.
If there's one thing the Calgary Flames have been focusing on ever since Craig Conroy took over as their general manager, it's on transitioning towards a youthful approach by trading away most of their impending free agents.
The Flames would like to keep Rasmus Andersson
However, alongside such reactive measures, they do still seem to have a strong intent of keeping some veteran players around during this transitional period.
Andersson's status was eloquently discussed by James Duthie and Pierre LeBrun during an episode of 'Insider Trading' on TSN.
James Duthie: It's that time of year where, look, there's a lot of rumors out there. And some end up being substantiated. And then you get some guys' names thrown out there that the team really has no interest in trading. At least they say they don't. Is that the case with Rasmus Andersson and Calgary, Pierre?
Pierre LeBrun: The Flames have no interest in trading him, point blank. And they're a little confused as to why they're getting calls from other teams checking in on his availability. And what GM Craig Conroy has told other teams is 'We're not interested in trading Rasmus Andersson.' He's not a player on an expiring deal. The Flames are in a playoff race and, in fact, the Flames hope to extend Rasmus Andersson potentially this summer when he's allowed to extend one year out. That may or may not happen, but for now, he's a Calgary Flame. And the Flames, they don't want to tear it down. They want to keep some key veterans around as they continue to transition their roster and Andersson is one of those players that the Flames want to be part of that.
Pierre LeBrun: The Flames have no interest in trading him, point blank. And they're a little confused as to why they're getting calls from other teams checking in on his availability. And what GM Craig Conroy has told other teams is 'We're not interested in trading Rasmus Andersson.' He's not a player on an expiring deal. The Flames are in a playoff race and, in fact, the Flames hope to extend Rasmus Andersson potentially this summer when he's allowed to extend one year out. That may or may not happen, but for now, he's a Calgary Flame. And the Flames, they don't want to tear it down. They want to keep some key veterans around as they continue to transition their roster and Andersson is one of those players that the Flames want to be part of that.
Born in 1995, this Swedish player started off his career with the Flames in 2018 and has since played over 500 NHL games, going on to carve a significant place for himself in Calgary's lineup.
Andersson seems to be on track to have an outstanding season as he currently has six goals alongside 18 points to his name and his integration with Keith Bahl as one of the top defense pairings surely hints towards him doing exceptionally well.
At a $4.55 million cap hit, Andersson's fairs are reasonably priced making him a potential trade target during the offseason when he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
However, even if he's in high demand and has the potential to move to new places, he still wishes to remain with the Flames due to the way the sport's business works.
Conroy and head coach Ryan Huska have been especially vocal about the leadership qualities of veterans like Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman, Jonathan Huberdeau, and their Captain Mikael Backlund.
Also, the strategy to combine young blood together with the more experienced has kept the Flames in the chase for the playoffs. The early success shows that Calgary is convinced that this is the way to go.
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