After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Calgary Flames expected to build on that promising performance. However, by Oct. 26, they were at the bottom of the standings with one win in their first nine games.
The Flames’ poor start puts more attention on Rasmus Andersson. The 29-year-old defenseman is in the final season of a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.55 million and is slated for unrestricted free-agent status next July.
Andersson topped our October NHL Trade Block Big Board. Approaching November, there is no indication that he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension. On Oct. 24, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic indicated that Andersson would be their biggest trade chip if they become sellers.
Since a career-best 50 points in 2021-22, Andersson’s production has steadily declined, but his skills as a physical, big-minute, right-shot defenseman make him a solid addition to any defense corps. He has two goals this season, but the Flames’ poor play hasn’t yet adversely affected his trade value.