The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired veteran defenceman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames on Sunday.
In exchange, Calgary will acquire blue liner Zach Whitecloud, a top-10 protected 1st round pick in 2027, a 2028 2nd round pick, and prospect Abram Wiebe. Should Vegas win the Stanley Cup this season, then the 2028 pick will become a 1st rounder.
According to reports, Calgary will retain 50% of Andersson’s salary, as the 29 year prepares to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Originally drafted 53rd overall by the Flames back in 2015, Andersson has recorded 30 points (10G, 20A) across 48 games this season, while averaging 24:14 of ice time per night.
While the trade does not come with an extension in place for the Swedish defender, sources indicate that the Golden Knights will look to work out a long term deal in the coming weeks. Multiple outlets are reporting that Boston and Dallas each came close to securing a deal for Andersson’s services, with Boston allegedly receiving permission to speak with Andersson’s camp about a possible extension.
At the end of the day however, Vegas was the native of Malmo’s preferred destination, and Calgary was determined to get a deal done prior to the Olympic break.
For the Flames, they’ll receive a steady, everyday NHL defenceman in Whitecloud, who has 7 points this season across 48 games, while averaging 18:46 of ice time a night. The Manitoba native has developed a reputation around the league as a dependable 2nd/3rd pairing blue liner who can eat minutes, and be counted on defensively.
Wiebe is currently in his 3rd season with the University of North Dakota where he’s registered 14 points (3G, 11A) across 24 contests. Originally drafted 209th overall by Vegas back in 2022, the BCHL product figures to add some additional depth to the Flames defensive prospects moving forward.
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