[sureLoss]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...e-uncertainty/

Rasmus Andersson wants to remain a Calgary Flame.

For the rest of this season, next season and hopefully beyond.

But it’s not that simple.

He admitted as much Friday in a quiet one-on-one with Sportsnet.

“I love playing here and I’ve always loved playing here and that’s never going to change,” said the Flames defenceman.

“I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks and that’s just the way I am.

“Of course I would love to stay here, but I’ve heard from everyone else who has been in my situation that it’s a business.

"So we’ll see what happens.”

“I’ve got no say in it – I have a six-team no trade list, so it’s out of my hands,” he said.

“July 1 is when I can re-sign, and we’re in January.

"It’s all in Connie (Craig Conroy) and Don’s (Don Maloney’s) hands what happens to me until my contract is up, unless we find a deal.

“It’s not like I’m sitting on a full no-move.”

As emotional a player as the Flames have in their locker room, the central question surrounding his future has always revolved around his happiness.

Last year, after Noah Hanifin and Swedish pals like Elias Lindholm and Jacob Markstrom were shipped out, it seemed a longshot Andersson would want to stick around to be part of a team that did an awful lot of losing down the stretch.

However, he was empowered by the organization in the summer, when told they’d need him to play bigger minutes, run the power-play, and be their defensive leader more than ever.

He embraced the challenge and has thrived, playing the best hockey of his career, and earning a spot on Sweden’s vaunted blue line for the 4 Nation’s Faceoff.

His play has had a big say in his team’s ability to stay in a playoff race few thought possible.

“For sure I’m happy,” said Andersson, a character who has followed up the bulk of his six goals with his now trademarked death stare.

“All you can ask for is to fight for a playoff spot. We’ve proven a lot of people wrong. I love being part of this group.

“My indication from up top is they’re happy, I’m happy, we’re all good.”

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