[CliffFletcher]

I have my doubts about some of the teams that have been cited.

CBJ - Why would they give up assets for Andersson when they look to be letting a similar (though inferior) player in Fabbro walk as a UFA?

MTL - Are the Canadiens really at the stage when they’re going to load up on veterans with big contracts? Haven’t heard anything about them wanting to make a big splash.

My list:

CAR - Should probably be at the top of the list. Sounds like they’re moving on from Burns, and Andersson could step right into the to pairing with Slavin. Loads of cap space and assets.

DAL - Have a pressing need for an experienced top-4 RD. Do they have the assets or cap space?

DET - Need immediate help at RD, and they love their Swedes. No problem with having assets to deal. But they already have Seider at RD, and their best prospect (one of the best defence prospects in hockey) is an RD as well. An extended Andersson at $8 mil plus might seriously mess up their long-term depth chart and cap.

FLA - If they let Ekblad walk, they’ll have a huge hole at RD. And Andersson’s $4.25 mil cap hit (or lower with retention), not to mention his connections with Tkachuk and Bennett, would make him very attractive. Don’t have any future assets, so hard to see a deal.

OTT - They’re looking to take the next step and could use help at RD. But they might be hoping they can get that internally from Yakemchuk. And there’s a good chance they’re on Andersson’s no-trade list.

SJ - Want to bring in a veteran RD. Loads of assets and cap space. Might be on Andersson’s no-trade list, especially if his main motivation for leaving Calgary is to play on a winner.

WPG - They’re in Win Now mode and could use a level-up at RD. They may not be keen on paying DeMelo $4.9 to play on the third pairing for three more years. Might be on Andersson’s no-trade list.


I’d say the best fits are CAR, DET, and WPG.