Rasmus Andersson trade talks ended in frustration for the Maple Leafs, per report
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According to a report from James Mirtle, the Toronto Maple Leafs grew frustrated with Calgary last season as they tried to acquire Rasmus Andersson for the blueline.
One of the premier names who have been made available this season, Rasmus Andersson is no doubt going to have his fair share of suitors as the Calgary Flames figure out what to do with the pending free agent defenseman.
The team is likely missing the playoffs and if Andersson isn't going to re-sign then they would be privy to trade him if it brings back some valuable assets.
Toronto's frustration with Rasmus Andersson deal stems from last season
One team who is deep in the mix are the Toronto Maple Leafs and it feels like they have been linked to the Calgary blueliner for the past year as GM Brad Treliving would love to bring in his former star defenseman.
They are right in the thick of it again this year, and they're looking for a different result from last time which according to one report -- grew into a very frustrating time.
James Mirtle of The Athletic reported on The JD Bunkis Podcast on Tuesday that last season the Maple Leafs tried to acquire Andersson from the Flames but GM Craig Conroy was trying to stretch the package too far and it was an unfair ask compared to other teams:
This isn't too surprising given that Treliving and the Flames had a bit of a falling out and the last thing the Flames would like to do is business with someone who's track record isn't amazing when it comes to Calgary.
Whether or not the Flames become more desperate now to move Andersson given the time and contract crunch is still up in the air but Toronto is likely going to need to raise the package a bit compared to other teams even if it's not a huge leap.
If Toronto is back in the mix then is Andersson worth the cost?
That means Ben Danford is likely going the other way as part of a deal and while it's not Easton Cowan; it's still a top prospect.
Plus, there's still no guarantee that Andersson will re-sign with the Leafs so then what? A couple months of a rental for a future top-four shutdown defender?
Regardless of what Andersson brings he is still going to cost a lot to bring him in. It feels urgent to make a move because of Chris Tanev's injury but right now the team is rolling and until things get worrisome -- let it play out.
If Calgary is still as hesitant to work with Treliving then it won't be good for the Maple Leafs to continue pursuing Andersson especially if the cost stays above the rest.
At that point, it's probably best to let it go and focus on who Toronto can actually bring in with the minimal number of assets they have.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 14|751 ANSWERS Rasmus Andersson trade talks ended in frustration for the Maple Leafs, per report Which defenseman should the Maple Leafs target in a trade? | ||
| Rasmus Andersson | 188 | 25 % |
| Dougie Hamilton | 158 | 21 % |
| Luke Schenn | 270 | 36 % |
| Justin Faulk | 135 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||