A Rasmus Andersson extension comes in with Vegas
The Calgary Flames traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, receiving Zach Whitecloud, a first-round pick, a conditional second-round pick who could become a first, and Abram Wiebe.
This is the second time the Golden Knights and Flames have been trading partners, both involving a defenseman. Remember, Noah Hanifin was traded from the Flames to the Golden Knights a few seasons ago. Like Hanifin, Andersson was traded without an extension. But that’s a risk worth taking for the Golden Knights.
Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon joined NHL Morning Skate on SiriusXM NHL Network with Gord Stellick and Mike Johnson on Wednesday and was asked about re-signing defenseman Rasmus Andersson after trading for him on Sunday.
NHL rumors: Vegas Golden Knights eyeing centers
NHLRumors.com Transcripts
Mike Johnson: “Kelly (McCrimmon), Rasmus (Andersson) were pretty clear about where he wanted to go and where he was willing to sign an extension. No extension has been announced. How is that conversation going with you guys? Before the trade, now after the trade, how do you continue down that path if you’re going to do that?”
Kelly McCrimmon: “Yeah, one of the things that gave us an advantage, Mike, was that we felt comfortable doing it without an extension. We did the same thing with Noah Hanifin, where we were able to sign him. So I think we’re taking a little bit of a risk by doing it that way.”
We are confident that we will be able to make a good impression on Rasmus, but not just with our city or facilities and what they have to offer. But I think the other thing that sometimes gets a little overlooked is that players want to win, and they want to work in an organization where there’s a commitment to do that. And we’ve certainly been able to do that for our entire existence. So I think we expect this to be very important for Rasmus as well.”
The question remains: when will Rasmus Andersson return to Vegas? Everyone knows he wanted to go there. His agent, Claude Lemieux, likes to play hardball and played a role in this trade. However, it took 35 days for Hanifin to be traded to Vegas and he extended. Rasmus Andersson is expected to re-sign in Vegas.
NHL Rumors: What’s next for the Calgary Flames?
However, will it be for the reported seven-year, $63 million ($9 million AAV) deal he got from the Boston Bruins, or will it be less in the $7 million to $8 million range for a seven- or eight-year deal?
The expectation is that McCrimmon will get it done.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumors overviews and hot topics from around the league. We also post some stuff Instagram.
#Vegas #Golden #Knights #resign #Rasmus #Andersson