Two Harsh Realities Make a Rasmus Andersson Trade to the Leafs Unlikely
Photo credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images
If the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames, they may not have the easiest time according to Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast.
With all of the names available this summer for the Maple Leafs to take a stab at in either free agency or the trade market, it's going to take Brad Treliving and company a lot of work to figure out who best fits in with not only the cap situation, but the new mentality of the team and if they can gel with a new environment.
They've been linked to everyone from Brad Marchand to Aaron Ekblad, and even trading for names like Erik Karlsson is a potential groundbreaking deal.
But one name who has popped up quite a bit recently has been Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
A free agent next summer, he is looking to earn a big payday and according to reports, the Maple Leafs could absolutely bring in an old Brad Treliving face and add even more staunch defense and shot-blocking to their team; the passion if you will.
Andersson not looking to extend yet; betting on his 2025-26 season
But they got bit of cold-water thrown onto those rumors courtesy of Elliotte Friedman.
Speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman mentioned that Vegas took a run at acquiring Andersson but couldn't get it figured out, and on top of that: Andersson is looking to potentially play elsewhere:
I think Vegas took a big run at him last week but couldn't get it done. I think there was a team that did think they were going to get something done but Andersson wouldn't extend at this time.
No word on who the other team may have been, but there's a good chance that several teams were poking around to see if they can bring him in.
Andersson had 31 points in 81 games (11G, 20A) with 196 blocks in a staggering 23:59 TOI.
He's been one of the league's best shot-blockers since arriving, having a blistering 643 blocks over the last four seasons; an average of 160.75.
Calgary may be hesitant to work with Brad Treliving
There's certainly nothing wrong with wanting to bet on yourself in free agency, and if the Maple Leafs want to acquire him, they are going to have to either sweeten the post significantly, or pray that Calgary is willing to do business.
Tensions between the two clubs seem to be a bit understated, as Calgary are potentially hesitant to make a deal with their former GM, considering he kind of fleeced them and put them in a tough situation.
He traded both Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk to Florida in separate deals; a move that has led them to two Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe for Bennett.
Meanwhile, Calgary missed the playoffs for the third straight season, however have a bright future with Connor Zary, Zayne Parekh, and Dustin Wolf leading the charge.
Plus, Toronto would have to convince Andersson to sign, and considering he doesn't want to extend just yet; is a one-year rental with no guarantee he'll return a smart move?
They just re-signed Matthew Knies and John Tavares; they've been shrewd in their attempts to recoup something for Mitch Marner.
Going after Andersson for one year might just end up undoing all the good the team has done recently, and it might not be worth it.
But it doesn't hurt to poke around as well.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 550 ANSWERS Two Harsh Realities Make a Rasmus Andersson Trade to the Leafs Unlikely Should the Maple Leafs trade for Calgary's Rasmus Andersson? | ||
| Yes | 352 | 64 % |
| No | 198 | 36 % |
| List of polls | ||
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