Rasmus Andersson is the number one topic of discussion among Flames fans right now. And for good reason. Craig Conroy is going to need to make a major decision when it comes to their veteran defenceman. Should they trade him? Or sign him to a long term extension?

That topic has been beaten to death over the last few weeks.

What I think is interesting, and it’s something that’s not being talked about in the mainstream media, and that’s the play of Rasmus Andersson.

He got off to an incredible start. Andersson put up nine points in his first seven games. He was a +6 and was the emotional heartbeat of the team. You could make an argument that he was one of the best defenceman in the NHL during those first couple weeks.

Now, it’s not realistic to think that Andersson could keep up that level of play. He’s never been that type of dominant defenceman. However, you’d hope he could play at a top pairing level.

But his play has dropped off considerably since that hot start.

Andersson hasn’t scored a goal in 18 games. He has three assists over that time.

Since December 4th, Andersson is tied for dead last in the NHL in +/- with a -14.

In his last 36 games, nearly half the season, Andersson only produced eight points. That’s an 18 point pace over 82 games. With Andersson on the ice at 5-on-5 in those 36 games, the Flames have been outscored 25-16.

One thing to keep in mind is that Andersson does play against the best players on the opposition and is tasked to shut them down which is not an easy job.

Even with that in mind, those numbers are not good enough for someone who has the track record and talent of Andersson.

Especially when you consider the fact that he is in line for a massive contract extension this summer.

The question that needs to be asked is what is Rasmus Andersson going to look like in his age 30-37 years.

Andersson has ranged from being a 30-50 point defenceman in his prime years. We’ve seen a drop off in point production over the last two seasons. It’s fair to wonder what you’re going to get out of Andersson in his 30’s.

The Flames are going to have to pay him like a top 25 defenceman in the NHL. That deal is going to be for eight years at $8 million+ per season. Depending on where the cap is, that AAV might push $10 million.

Is that the type of contract you want to give a guy who isn’t the best skater as a 28 year old whose offensive production is falling over the last three seasons?

It feels like the Flames are making a long term decision based on Andersson’s intangibles over his on ice results. The Flames love Andersson as a person and leader. But I think the organization loves the idea that a high profile pending UFA wants to stay in Calgary. And they’ll do everything they can to keep him and change the narrative around the team. Despite the fact it might not be the best decision for the future success of the Flames on the ice.

This discussion isn’t going to die down among the fan base until a resolution is reached. It’s going to be fascinating to see how this all plays out.