Rasmus Andersson's Trade Fate Becomes Clearer, Brad Treliving Paying Attention

Over the last few weeks there have been a lot of discussions and rumors surrounding Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, as he is going to need a new deal, but that's not going to be cheap.

Linked to several teams, Andersson would instantly be an improvement to any defensive core and adding a shutdown, shot-blocking machine who can give you 35-40 points a season makes any contender have a legitimate shot in the postseason.

However, Calgary would love to keep him and they have no intentions of getting rid of him just yet, and would need to be blown away by a trade offer in order to deal him away.

According to Frank Seravalli on Bleacher Report's NHL Offseason Update, with a lack of outstanding offers it seems that Andersson is going to start with the team as they decide how to best move forward:

Knowing the Flames are likely keeping Andersson until at least the trade deadline barring some catastrophic circumstances, which means the Maple Leafs are going to need to stick with what they have until they know what's going on with Andersson.

The team has a very solid core locked up for a long-time minus Simon Benoit and Brandon Carlo (who still has term after this year) so they would need to also make sure that they have enough room for Andersson; and the right assets.

It's not surprising that Brad Treliving would keep tabs on his old team, considering they hold not only Andersson but also have Nazem Kadri who has been heavily linked to the Maple Leafs this summer.

Knowing Craig Conroy doesnt necessarily want to let any of his top pieces go, it's going to be hard for Treliving to get what he needs without overpaying considerably. But if the team really hits a roadblock in 2025-26 and wave the white flag, then he needs to genuinely consider making a splash.

Bringing in Andersson as Morgan Rielly's partner assuredly gives him the defensive assistance he needs to be that offensive force once again, and the lack of pressure he would find knowing he has one of the best defensive defensemen in the league beside him; it's a huge confidence boost.

But Seravalli may have summed it up best, and why it might be a bit hard for Brad Treliving to make a move even if he's watching like a hawk:

It's a heavy cost indeed, and while it might be worth it; it's a question of can the Leafs afford it?