Rasmus Andersson watch — Will he stay or will he go?

[TheScorpion]

Really interesting piece from Francis today talking about Andersson's future. If you believe Eric is the closest to the powers that be at CSEC, it sure looks like Rasmus is on his way out ...

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...es-off-season/

Andersson, 28, should be looking to cash in on a long-term deal, using his position as a top-pairing defenceman who made Team Sweden as bargaining power.

The Flames are looking to continue building around a young core that should start to contend at a time when Andersson will be approaching the downside of his career.

Simply put, his value on the open market will far exceed what the Flames would consider paying him, short-term or long.

He will get paid next summer, but not here, not now.

Once the two walk away from extension talks with a clear understanding of the inevitable salary gap, Craig Conroy will have no choice but to look to cash in on a valuable asset via the trade market.

On Saturday, the two predictably left all their options open, but as the numbers start to get crunched, it will be increasingly clear that even though the Flames have cap space, it won’t be spent on Andersson.

[albertGQ]

I hope they trade him. Would love for a first rounder and a decent prospect. Also hope we can retain to get extra draft pick(s)

Not only do I think his next contract will eventually be an anchor, I think this trade will be similar to trading Markstrom. Opens the door for a young prospect to get more icetime.

[dissentowner]

I don't think it makes much sense to bring him back. Trade him and get some assets back.

[Enoch Root]

I think generally, fans are way too quick to chase players out of town, in favour of kids.

However, this is a case where that is exactly the right thing to do. Andersson is a great player. But Parekh is going to be better. And Brzustewicz probably ends up as good or better than Andersson too. And even though they won't be for a while (2, 3 or even 4 years), by the time the Flames are competitive, they will be.

So paying him for a long term contract makes zero sense. Conversely, getting assets for him is exactly what they do need.

Easy decision.

[Bingo Jr.]

Slightly different scenarios but this reminds me of trading Markstrom, and replacing him with Wolf and not skipping a beat. Same could be said with Ras and Parekh/Bru. Addition by subtraction if you will.

As much as I love Ras, it's probably the right call to move on.

[CaptainYooh]

Trade him in summer. Makes too many costly mistakes defensively.

[Locke]

If he goes there will be trouble. If he stays it will be double.

My heart says keep him.

Yeah, if you ship him you'll get some assets. One of them might even be a Rasmus Andersson.

In our current position the money isn't really an issue.

[Toonage]

Maybe there is a team with some cap issues that could be the target of an offer sheet but also needs a RHD that the Flames could work out a trade with instead

[gvitaly]

It certainly seemed like goodbye in his exit interview.

D when Weegar got here:
Weegar - Andersson
Hanifin - Tanev
Zadorov - Stone
Kylington

That's quite the turnaround in 3 seasons.

I love Andersson's attitude, and GAF meter. He was absolutely amazing in the first month to start the season, but things didn't go his way the rest of the way in some very tough matchups.

I think Andersson struggles defending against top line forwards, and doesn't quite fit this team's window to compete. This IMO will be magnified once he gets his payday. Hopefully the Flames can find a good stay at home D to fill in the top 4 in his absence, and slowly bring up Parekh, Mews, Brz, and Morin up to the big show.

[OldSam]

Francis usually picks one situation each off season to invent problems about. I guess Raz is this years. Don't trust him at all to know diddly squat about any important issue. Whatever happens, happens. Pretty sure Raz won't ask his opinion.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I loved your post about Sunrise gas station. The reviews are hilarious

[Pickle Juice]

My prediction is he ends up in Columbus. Hopefully the 11th overall pick is tied to that.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

I loved your post about Sunrise gas station. The reviews are hilarious

Hahaha kinda random to put in this thread but it was indeed absolutely hilarious

[dammage79]

My flavor of the week trade prediction Is Rasmus Andersson to San Jose for Filip Bystedt and a 2025 or 26 pick.

Flames keep their Swedish quota and we gain a good center with size and speed.

[Phaneuf_Phan]

-38 cya later and thanks for your service

[Manhattanboy]

I hope he stays for a bit of a discount. Raz loves it here and is a leader on the team.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

I hope he stays for a bit of a discount. Raz loves it here and is a leader on the team.

Aren't you a full rebuild advocate? And haven't you been complaining that you believe the Flames will continue to sign vets and try to compete for the playoffs?

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Aren't you a full rebuild advocate? And haven't you been complaining that you believe the Flames will continue to sign vets and try to compete for the playoffs?

Not me. Maybe Monahammer or someone else?

I have always been in make the playoffs camp.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

Not me. Maybe Monahammer or someone else?

right, Monahammer - 4 syllables, starts with an M... cut me some slack

[Finger Cookin]

I'm sure he'll get moved when the right deal is on the table. I have no doubt conversations will start leading into the draft -- but if the deal doesn't materialize at the draft, it doesn't mean the conversations started there don't lead to a deal before the Christmas freeze. Or the all-star game. Or the trade deadline.

I don't see a short enough term that he would agree to that fits with the Flames plans where he will sign an extension here. Ideally, with how this roster is coming together, he would be under contract for next season plus another one or two.