Stay calm, everyone. We may finally be on the brink of a Rasmus Andersson trade, potentially ending multiple years of rumours and speculation and everything that comes with the process. However, since a deal hasn’t been completed yet, there’s still time to continue exploring different scenarios of what an Andersson trade could look like for the Calgary Flames.

That brings us to the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit has openly been in the market for a top-four defenceman for some time now. They’re looking for a reliable presence who can help lead their young defensive core and bring some relief to Moritz Seider.

The Red Wings were reportedly in on former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes, but when extension-related issues arose, they pulled out of the race. Hughes eventually landed with the Minnesota Wild.

As a result, Detroit remains in the market for a defenceman and is expected to become increasingly aggressive as the trade deadline approaches and the club looks to make a deep playoff run.

There are other names available that Detroit could pursue, including Dougie Hamilton or Erik Karlsson, but Andersson appears to be an ideal fit — especially if the Red Wings can lock him up with an extension.

With that in mind, let’s dive into a couple of potential trade scenarios between Detroit and Calgary.

Let’s start with the most obvious option, one that’s been circulating in the rumour mill of late.

To Calgary:
– Nate Danielson
– 2026 first-round pick

To Detroit:
– Rasmus Andersson (50 per cent salary retained)

This would be a dream scenario for the Flames. They would land a high-end, right-shot centre prospect along with a first-round pick in an upcoming draft. That aligns with the Flames’ reported desire for a return equivalent to two first-round picks, considering Danielson was selected ninth overall in the 2023 NHL draft.

The 21-year old Edmonton native began his first NHL season with the Red Wings this year. In 28 games, Danielson recorded two goals and five assists before it was determined he needed more time to develop his game. He was subsequently assigned to the AHL, where he has matched that production in seven games with the Bakersfield Condors.

Calgary would almost certainly need to retain salary in this scenario to lower Andersson’s cap hit and make the deal more appealing to Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman. 50% seems like a good place to start – making Andersson cap hit just $2.275 million.

You’d also have to assume Yzerman would only agree to this trade if an extension with Andersson was already in place or close to being finalized.

While reports later suggested this scenario was baseless (or at the very least, very speculative), it still represents a deal that checks boxes for both sides — and for Calgary, it could be the best possible offer available.

To Calgary:
– Carter Mazur
– Michael Rasmussen
– 2026 second-round pick

To Detroit:
– Rasmus Andersson

When the deadline pressure ramps up, the Flames may ultimately have to take the best offer on the table — and it could look something like this.

In this scenario, Calgary would acquire Detroit’s No. 8-ranked prospect in Mazur. The 23-year old winger has spent the entire season in the AHL but has appeared in just five games after suffering a lower-body injury early on. In his five games, he’s impressed with four goals and two assists.

The Flames would also receive a reliable NHL player in Rasmussen. His inclusion would largely be for cap purposes, but Calgary could either slot him into the lineup as a dependable penalty killer who can contribute offensively, or flip him to another team to recoup additional assets.

Then there’s the draft pick. This type of deal feels more like a deadline-day outcome — the best offer available at the time. Yzerman is unlikely to move a first-round pick without certainty on an Andersson extension. If that is the case a second rounder may be the best they can get.

Calgary likely wouldn’t need to retain much salary here, as taking on Rasmussen and Mazur would mean absorbing more money than they’re sending out. That said, the Flames have the cap flexibility to retain a small portion if it helps get the deal done or if it inclines Yzerman to upgrade the second round pick to a first.