A Rasmus Andersson trade only makes sense for the Maple Leafs under one condition

A lot of discussion has been had regarding whether or not the Calgary Flames are going to trade Rasmus Andersson, and with the veteran in the last year of his deal and the team struggling; he may be on the move soon.

Linked heavily to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Andersson would be a great asset for the team however it's going to come at a pretty significant cost especially if Flames GM Craig Conroy gets his way.

Nonetheless, Toronto would be better with him than without but it really only makes sense if he does the one thing he's been hesitant to do: sign a contract extension.

TSN's Chris Johnston, in collaboration with Pierre LeBrun, wrote an article for The Athletic where they discussed potential destinations and scenarios for several players around the league.

When Andersson's name popped up, Johnston was clear to state that a deal hinges on whether or not the Swedish blueliner was going to sign an extension and mentioned he didn't want to previously with LA; another rumored destination:

LeBrun actually reported earlier that Andersson would be willing to entertain an extension with the Maple Leafs, so they at least have that in their favor however they are likely not the only team he would sign an extension with.

Andersson, 29, has 25 points in 37 games so far this season (7 goals, 18 assists) and is continuing to be that staunch shot-blocking presence with 69 blocks in 24:06 TOI. He'll do everything Toronto needs him to, and can help at both ends of the ice.

So if he does agree to a deal with the Maple Leafs, what exactly is the cost going to be?

Well it certainly won't be the cheapest package for the Maple Leafs and they are more than likely going to need to deal away some youth, but if Andersson is willing to stick around then it'll be worth it.

If Toronto isn't waving the white flag, then they may be willing to move assets, and knowing that if Andersson will do a sign and trade; they could pull the trigger on Ben Danford.

A package involving him, an NHL-ready body like Matias Maccelli and maybe Calle Jarnkrok plus a draft pick should be more than enough for Conroy to deal Andersson away.

He gets his replacement of the future in Danford; both play a very similar style game as well. Maccelli needs a fresh start and Calgary would give him ample time to grow and he'll get to build chemistry with stars like Matt Coronato and Connor Zary.

Conroy also gets a versatile and flexible player on an expiring deal in Jarnkrok, and would give him more chances to play before heading to Sweden next year; he's already committed so you may as well dish him off.

The main pieces are Danford and Maccelli, which for a sign-and-trade isn't the worst deal in the world. But the team shouldn't pull the trigger until Andersson commits to Toronto. Otherwise, it's going to be another miserable failure of a trade and another blemish on Brad Treliving's record.