A better sense is emerging of what the Maple Leafs would need to offer for Rasmus Andersson

There's been a lot of discussion about whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be making a splash which could involve a trade for Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, as the two have been linked in rumors for months.

With Toronto and Calgary both in a tough situation this season, maybe swapping pieces isn't the worst idea and it would give both of those teams a new dynamic even if it's not immediately successful.

So if the team does decide to strike a deal for Andersson, it's going to cost them a decent amount and it seems like they have some competition according to David Pagnotta.

The insider reported on Dec. 18th's Daily Faceoff Live that teams have been kicking the tires still on Andersson, with the Maple Leafs and Stars both interested, though it might hinge on if he signs an extension:

Then it was Elliotte Friedman who came sliding in with a price for acquiring Andersson, and going off previous information we can narrow down what it'll cost:

With that being said, Andersson is a pending free agent and could potentially be classified as a rental so his price should reflect that, however with how bold some of the recent trades have been; it could stay at that price.

In 36 games this season, Andersson has 25 points (7 goals, 18 assists) as well as a plus-five, 18 hits, and 69 blocks.

Which is bad news for the Maple Leafs considering they are going to need to guarantee that Andersson makes it worth their while both now and in the future.

Toronto is likely going to need to give up their 2028 first-round pick and finally let go of the last big asset to help their future. They'll also need to give up a prospect that could lean into Ben Danford territory, but there are also names like William Villeneuve and Noah Chadwick who could be in play.

But in doing so they are resigning to their fate. This is it for them, and they can't really afford to make any other moves without completely blowing things up.

If Andersson isn't the solution, we are going to find out very quickly once he takes the ice. Then at that point you have to wonder if the Maple Leafs have any idea where to go from there, or if this is the breaking point for the Auston Matthews era.