Rasmus Andersson Extension Could Be on the Horizon Amid More Flames Trade Rumors

Despite recent trade speculation, Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson might be staying put for the long term.

Flames GM Craig Conroy recently spoke with Thomas Drance of The Athletic and discussed Andersson’s future with the team. Andersson, 27, is coming off an up-and-down season, tallying nine goals and 30 assists over 78 games, but Conroy believes the defenseman has the potential for an even better year in 2024.

"For me, he’s a Flame. He can be a Flame for a long, long time," Conroy said.

Andersson is just two years away from unrestricted free agency but he's survived the exodus of assets going out as the Flames undergo a rebuild. Conroy has moved on from several experienced players over the past year, including Noah Hanifin, Jakob Markstrom, and Elias Lindholm. However, Andersson’s importance to the team remains clear. As one of the few remaining veterans, the Flames will likely need his leadership both on and off the ice as they navigate a transitional period.

Are the Two Sides Going to Start Talking About a Contract Extension?

Conroy also hinted that he'd like to get Andersson locked into a new deal. “At some point in the future, we’ll have conversations about a contract extension,” said Conroy, signaling that trade talk surrounding the defenseman is just that... talk.

Perhaps if Andersson isn't apt to talk about a new deal, things could change and his name will surface again in trade discussions. Should the defenseman not be keen to wait out a rebuild in the prime years of his career, he may let Conroy know he's not interested in talking about staying on.

That said, Conroy appears confident that the defenseman will remain a core part of the franchise. Andersson can't sign yet, but the two sides can at least start chatting about what a new contract might look like.