Since Craig Conroy became general manager, the Calgary Flames have undergone some major changes as they’ve moved out seemingly every expiring asset on their roster in an effort to get younger. But after making some big changes, it seems like the Flames would like to hang onto some key veterans to guide the club through their transition period.
Over at TSN, their Insider Trading panel on Tuesday had an interesting exchange between host James Duthie and reporter Pierre LeBrun about the availability (or lack thereof) of Flames blueliner Rasmus Andersson.
Here’s the exchange from Insider Trading:
James Duthie: It’s that time of year where, look, there’s a lot of rumours out there. And some end up being substantiated. And then you get some guys’ names thrown out there that the team really has no interest in trading. At least they say they don’t. Is that the case with Rasmus Andersson and Calgary, Pierre?
Pierre LeBrun: The Flames have no interest in trading him, point blank. And they’re a little confused as to why they’re getting calls from other teams checking in on his availability. And what GM Craig Conroy has told other teams is ‘We’re not interested in trading Rasmus Andersson.’ He’s not a player on an expiring deal. The Flames are in a playoff race and, in fact, the Flames hope to extend Rasmus Andersson potentially this summer when he’s allowed to extend one year out. That may or may not happen, but for now he’s a Calgary Flame. And the Flames, they don’t want to tear it down. They want to keep some key veterans around as they continue to transition their roster and Andersson is one of those players that the Flames want to be part of that.
A second-round pick back in 2015, Andersson has played his entire NHL career with the Flames – he’ll play his 500th game next week – and he’s become a huge part of the team on and off the ice. The 28-year-old is having a strong season, posting six goals and 18 points through 42 games so far and forming a superb pairing with newcomer Kevin Bahl.
Andersson’s on a contract with a $4.55 million cap hit that expires following the 2025-26 season, at which point he would be able to become an unrestricted free agent. Given his talent, performance and very palatable cap hit, we have no doubt Andersson would be a hot commodity if he hit the trade market. However, Andersson has professed that he likes playing in Calgary but understands that “it’s a business” –
he said as much in recent interviews with Sportsnet’s Eric Francis and Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson. He’s one of a group of six key veterans that both Conroy and head coach Ryan Huska have praised for their leadership roles with the club – the group is Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman, Jonathan Huberdeau and captain Mikael Backlund.
The Flames’ philosophy was to bring in young up-and-comers and pair them with their remaining veterans. So far, that approach has worked quite well, as the Flames are in the thick of a battle for a playoff spot despite trading away several pending UFAs over the last 18 months. It’s easy to imagine them seeing these early returns and wanting to continue with this approach.
The Flames are back in action on Tuesday night in St. Louis as they continue a four game road trip.
