Rasmus Andersson in play as Maple Leafs reportedly kick tires
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is subject to heavy trade rumors and according to David Pagnotta, the Toronto Maple Leafs are already doing their homework.
The one name who has gotten the most attention regarding a potential trade has to be Rasmus Andersson, as the Calgary Flames defenseman has been named in rumors dating back to last summer.
As a pending free agent, Andersson has not committed to an extension and while there's a potential that he will, if things keep going south in Calgary then more than likely he'll be shipped out.
We know that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights all have interest in the veteran defender, however there has been no real traction when it comes to a supposed deal.
Toronto kicking tires again on Rasmus Andersson
However according to David Pagnotta, that doesnt mean there hasn't been a lot of homework done in the meantime.
The insider appeared on the Hello Hockey podcast on Dec. 27 and explained that he believes Andersson is going to be on the move, and mentioned several of the aforementioned teams, with the Maple Leafs already seemingly working out an offer:
I still think he's getting moved; we know the usual Dallas and Vegas suspects, we know Toronto's kicked the tires; I could see LA getting back into that discussion.
Kicking the tires isn't too shocking given that Brad Treliving has been open about wanting to improve the team amidst a rocky start to the season, and bringing in his former blueliner certainly would give his lineup a boost.
Toronto's injury issues may accelerate a Rasmus Andersson deal
It also seems like a trade to bring him in is more pertinent than ever give that Chris Tanev has gone down yet again with an injury and while he played through it; he's absent for Tuesday's game with no clear indication of the severity of the injury.
Andersson has also reportedly been open to an extension in Toronto, which would give them a massive boost over other teams that would like to bring him in, and if the team is willing to give him a fairly reasonable and not overly expensive deal; it could prove fruitful.
This season, Andersson has 25 points in 39 games (7 goals, 18 assists) while adding 71 blocks and 21 hits in 24:11 TOI; he has 256 points in 575 games (54 goals, 202 assists) while adding 960 blocks and 370 hits in that span.
Obviously there is nothing concrete when it comes to an Andersson deal, however if Toronto keeps kicking the tires long enough they could end flipping it in their favor.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 1601 ANSWERS Rasmus Andersson in play as Maple Leafs reportedly kick tires Do you think the Maple Leafs should trade for Rasmus Andersson or no? | ||
| Yes | 787 | 49.2 % |
| No | 814 | 50.8 % |
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