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Flames fans react to the Rasmus Andersson trade
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Photo credit: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Adrian Kiss
Jan 19, 2026, 08:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 18, 2026, 21:54 EST
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It’s over. After nearly a year of seesawing between rumours, re-signing discussions and various trade scenarios, Rasmus Andersson has been dealt by the Calgary Flames to the Vegas Golden Knights. In return, the Flames receive defenceman Zach Whitecloud, a conditional first-round pick, a conditional second-round pick and the signing rights to college prospect Abram Wiebe.
It’s a day many Flames fans have been waiting for. Last season, the fan base was still fairly split on whether Andersson should be re-signed or traded. This year, however, sentiment appeared almost unanimous, with fans eager to see a deal completed. At times, it felt like a trade might never materialize, but over the past 48 hours things accelerated quickly before the trigger was finally pulled.
Given how long it took to reach a conclusion, the situation became a constant topic of discussion across every corner of the fan base — from casual observers to die-hard supporters. Everyone put on their general manager’s hat at some point, weighing in on where Andersson should be traded and what the return should look like. With that came strong opinions, and plenty of them, regarding the final package.
So how have Flames fans reacted to the Rasmus Andersson trade?
So far, not particularly well. While mixed reviews were to be expected, the initial reaction has leaned toward disappointment — and in some cases, anger or even disgust. A look at the early responses makes that clear.
It’s clear where much of the frustration is coming from. This is a deal many believe should have been made a year ago, when Andersson’s trade value would have been at its peak — offering a acquiring team two playoff runs rather than one, and far less uncertainty around whether Andersson would sign an extension.
There is also significant dissatisfaction with the return. It’s not what many fans had in mind. Some were hoping for — if not outright expecting — an NHL-ready young centre, such as Detroit’s Nate Danielson or Boston’s Matthew Poitras. Instead, the Flames brought back veteran right-shot defenceman Zach Whitecloud, effectively filling the very roster spot they just vacated rather than opening it up for an internal option.
The draft picks have also drawn criticism. At best, the first-rounder is expected to be late, and the odds of the conditional second-round pick upgrading to a first appear slim. Compounding matters, sending Andersson to Vegas makes the Golden Knights a stronger team, which could negatively impact the Flames’ own draft position. Calgary holds Vegas’ first-round pick in the upcoming draft, acquired in the Noah Hanifin deal, and a stronger Golden Knights team only lowers its value.
That said, there are some fans who are more optimistic — or at least open-minded — about the deal. Here’s a look at what others had to say.
It feels like many fans see Whitecloud’s name in this deal and immediately assume the Flames view him as part of their long-term plans. While that can’t be completely ruled out, it’s far more likely Calgary intends to flip Whitecloud for additional assets. Whether that happens in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, this summer or even at some point next season, it’s far too early to declare acquiring him a mistake. The full picture won’t be clear until the trade tree has time to develop.
Abram Wiebe is an intriguing addition to the deal. At first glance, he feels like a throw-in, but there may be more there. The Flames would have had plenty of opportunities to evaluate him, given that he is a teammate of Flames prospect Cole Rescheny at the University of North Dakota. Wiebe ranks second among team defencemen in points and has outproduced expected top-five draft pick Keaton Verhoeff. Perhaps Calgary signs Wiebe and gives him a chance to work his way through the system. There’s no way of knowing how it might unfold.
There’s also the reality that the Flames never held all the leverage in these negotiations. Management can be criticized for allowing the situation to reach that point and for ceding power to the player, but it ultimately had to operate within those constraints.
Other teams were clearly unwilling to part with top prospects or premium picks without an extension in place. In a best-case scenario, if everything goes right, the Flames have effectively acquired two first-round picks, with the potential for one or two additional selections if Whitecloud is later moved, along with a prospect. Given that the trade was completed without an extension attached, that return actually isn’t that bad at all.
It’s easy to form a quick opinion on a deal like this, especially after such a long buildup. On the surface, it’s understandable why some see this as the wrong direction, but as with many trades, the true verdict won’t be known for years. Flames fans have shown remarkable patience with this organization, and they deserve a winning team. Hopefully, this trade brings them one step closer to that reality.
How do you feel about the Rasmus Andersson trade? Let us know in the comments!

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