Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
The problem with the 2nd list is that Rasmus wants to win now. So he'd have to believe those teams are ready to make that step, otherwise he won't have interset in re-signing.
To me that takes Buffalo, Chicago and SJ out.
CBJ and Detroit - maybe.
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I agree. CBJ and DRW could be the best trade partners for Andersson as they have assets that could fit the Flames' needs and both teams were sniffing around the playoff contention.
The Sharks could get into the mix if they can convince Andersson that they will take the steps needed to get into contention quickly. If they trade for Andersson as their new #1RD and then sign someone like Provorov to bolster their LD then that would push Ferraro and Liljegren to the second pair where they are likely better suited. Thrun and Thompson can then make up their 3rd pair. The rest of their D prospects would have time to mature and start pushing for roster spots in 2026 when all of the other vets contracts expire.
Their forward group could try to add a vet or graduate a couple more of their 1st round draft pick prospects (Bystedt, Musty, Kaut) or maybe even a second round pick (Chernyshov, Halttunen, Lund). Not to mention their pile of other prospects that they simply do not have room for.
The biggest upgrade to the roster may be Askarov, who is poised to be the next exciting rookie goalie when he graduates to the Sharks next season. That alone should be a huge upgrade over Georgiev's 7-19 this season.
I do not think it would be that hard of a sell considering how long they've been tanking and how many young stars they have acquired. Looking at the next 9 years I think they could convince him that they will be looking at multiple playoff runs with cup potential.
The real trick is that if the rumours are that they want to go to Ekblad as their first choice then it is unlikely they make a move at the draft to get Andersson as they would need to wait for July 1 to find out if Ekblad is possible.