Calgary Flames Defender Rasmus Andersson seems to be on the move, according to Captain Mikael Backlund. Speaking at the NHL player Media tour in EuropeBacklund did not cut words about the future of his old teammate.
“Yes, he is traded. It’s clear,” said Backlund. “But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. Just go out and play.”
Andersson, who has been a cornerstone of Calgary’s Blue Line for several seasons, has been in the rumor mill all summer, even dating from last season. The flames are expected to move Andersson to acquire assets and not to lose the player for nothing. Nevertheless, speculation suggests that the defender has been quite special about where he is willing to sign in the long term. That of course limits trade options for the Flames and GM Craig Conroy.
As much as Andersson wants to concentrate on season, his situation creates newspaper heads in Calgary. Backlund noticed: “I also spoke with him and he doesn’t want to be a distraction.” He added: “It is a shame that it came to do so. I don’t think they can never change things close to getting an agreement or something. We will see.”
The management of Calgary seems to be the intention to secure value in every deal, instead of hurrying a transaction.
The flames missed the play -offs scary and would like to be in the conversation again. That said, it seems more important for the organization to get a solid return for a popular defender. They take the season to search the competition, talk to Andersson and find the best deal. It will happen. It’s just a matter of when, not if.
For now it is expected that Andersson will start the season in Calgary, but his days can be numbered with the flames.
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