A division rival has submitted a trade offer for Rasmus Andersson, putting the Maple Leafs on the clock

The sweepstakes for Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson appears to be pushing towards a critical point as a new report indicates that an Eastern Conference team has put in an offer for Andersson.

According to a report from Bruins reporter Jimmy Murphy of 'RG Media', Boston's initial offer for Andersson is a first round pick and left-handed defenseman Mason Lohrei.

Lohrei, a 24-year-old LHD, is in his third NHL season, drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, 58th overall.

In 42 games this season, Lohrei has four goals, 15 assists, & 19 points for Boston, while on the third pairing for the Bruins, a trade potentially giving Lohrei top-pairing opportunities with a lack of depth on the Flames left side, which could intrigue Calgary.

The Boston Bruins have not only a strong framework for a deal for Rasmus Andersson, but offer something that Calgary is directly looking for in a deal for Andersson.

A recent report from Sportsnet's Ryan Francis said that the Calgary Flames wanted a first round pick plus a young, NHL playing player as their return.

Boston offers that in a current NHLer in Lohrei along with a first round pick, with secondary pieces the one remaining question, but it's a trade offer that puts the value of Rasmus Andersson into clearer focus.

For a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, they lack an impactful young NHLer like Lohrei that they'd want to part with for a player such as Andersson.

Matthew Knies would likely be untouchable in a deal for Andersson, and doubtful to be traded in general. Easton Cowan is the closest the Leafs have to the type of player Calgary wants, but the Bruins "defense for defense" offer gives more balance for the Flames.

The Leafs also lack a current first round pick, which could be a dealbreaker for getting a deal done, especially as Toronto doesn't have marquee prospects of equal value to a first round pick.

It's the lack of prospects and picks that could challenge the Leafs pursuit for Andersson, especially as the early indications from competing GM's that they're willing to give up a heavy return to get Rasmus Andersson into their roster.

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