Maple Leafs re-engage on Rasmus Andersson, with the defenseman open to a Toronto extension
Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
According to Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs may circle back to trying to acquire Rasmus Andersson, with the defender reportedly willing to re-sign in Toronto.
Throughout the offseason, Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson was linked heavily to several teams in trade rumors after it was debated whether he would sign an extension with the Flames or bet on himself and look to the market next summer.
However he stayed with the Flames and though it hasn't been the most successful season overall for Calgary, Andersson is still putting up very good numbers and providing that elite level defense expected of him.
Maple Leafs could be in play for Rasmus Andersson still
But with teams needing defensive help and Calgary able to get a decent haul for the pending free agent, he very well could be dealt at the deadline this year, and reportedly has mutual interest with one specific team.
According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN's Insider Trading, the Maple Leafs still have interest in Andersson after trying to acquire him previously, and could circle back this year; with Andersson potentially willing to re-sign with the team:
One thing I should mention is that among the teams that have circled back on Rasmus Andersson is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
We know the Leafs tried to trade for Andersson last year at the deadline, and why I mentioned Toronto is that my understanding is that the Leafs would be one of those teams that perhaps Andersson would consider extending with, if in fact a trade would work out between those two teams.
We know the Leafs tried to trade for Andersson last year at the deadline, and why I mentioned Toronto is that my understanding is that the Leafs would be one of those teams that perhaps Andersson would consider extending with, if in fact a trade would work out between those two teams.
If the rumors have some fire behind that smoke, should the Maple Leafs really go after Andersson?
The pros and cons of adding Rasmus Andersson
Well right off the bat, there are a lot of pros to adding Andersson to the roster. First, he would be a great replacement for Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo as a shutdown option, especially if their timetables are a bit wonky going forward.
He would instantly be Toronto's best defender on the ice, and he would bring that shot-blocking and relentlessness that Craig Berube loves.
He also adds a new dimension to the offense, as he isn't a bad guy running things either, and if he were to stick on the power play, he would offer a much better alternative in case things go south than Morgan Rielly would.
Plus, as a right-handed shot, he would be able to help balance the lineup a little better as well.
However, the cons are still out there. While he has reportedly said he would commit to Toronto, that's not a guarantee, and depending on what they give away then it could come back to bite them if he doesn't re-up with the Leafs.
It's going to be a challenge to get him, and the team would need to find a way to open up enough space to have him and their returning players back and fit within the cap restraints they have.
Plus he's going to be 30, and while it's not old, Toronto is a team that needs to add a bit more youth and speed to their backend, and Andersson might not be the best option in that regard.
There is nothing to say that Rasmus Andersson will or won't come to Toronto, but he could certainly make an impact if he did. The only issue is if he doesn't, the team is back to square one with more questions than answers.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 1742 ANSWERS Maple Leafs re-engage on Rasmus Andersson, with the defenseman open to a Toronto extension Should Toronto trade for Rasmus Andersson? | ||
| Yes | 1040 | 59.7 % |
| No | 702 | 40.3 % |
| List of polls | ||