The Calgary Flames are off to one of their worst starts in franchise history. The team has been affected by the trade winds since last season. Despite the disruption, the Flames scored 96 points and missed the playoffs in the tiebreaker. But this season, the interference has been louder, especially around guard Rasmus Andersen, and it really hurt the Flames’ spirit early on.
NHL Rumors: Calgary Flames don’t need to rush Rasmus Andersen decision
Many thought Anderson’s issues would be resolved in the offseason, but that wasn’t the case. But general manager Craig Conroy wants to give his players time to evaluate everything. Not to mention, Anderson is looking for a bounce-back season. However, the Calgary Flames need to address this issue as there has been so much noise surrounding the player this offseason.
It’s believed Anderson will be traded in the offseason. But Flames captain Mikael Backlund stepped up and told The Athletic it was clear the guard was being traded. This is not how you want to go into training camp.
“Yeah, he’s being traded. That’s obvious,” Backlund told The Athletic’s Michael Russo. “But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. So, go out and play. I’ve talked to him, too, and he doesn’t want to be a distraction. So it’s all good. It’s a shame things have come to this. I don’t think they’re close to a deal or anything, but you never know. Things could change. We’ll see.”
The Flames captain immediately set the tone for the season ahead. Why is he talking about other players’ contract situations? It’s just a bad look and shows how disruptive this is to not just the players but everyone in the organization. Everyone hopes to resolve this issue before the season starts. Most people think that will be the case.
NHL Rumors: Rasmus Andersen’s time with Calgary Flames is coming to an end
As Sportsnet 690 Voice of the Flames Derek Willis told Sirius XM NHL Network this offseason, he was surprised the deal didn’t include Rasmus Andersen, but he expected he would be sought after.
“I think he’s going to be very picky about where he wants to be, and I’m sure the Flames are going to try to negotiate well on their behalf. The good thing is he’s being sought after. So, yeah, I do expect it to be done in person. But that doesn’t mean it still can’t be,” Wells said. “This is probably one of the more valuable scenarios in a deadline-type situation. So we’ll see. You know, Rasmus is a pro and if he was here at the start of the season, he would be competing like this, but you know, I expect they’re probably still going to look hard until the puck drops.”
But as Calgary Flames training camp opened, Anderson answered questions and squashed reports and rumors that he just wants to go to the Vegas Golden Knights. He reiterated that he is committed to the Flames and hopes to have a better season than last year.
But as Sportsnet’s Eric Francis reported on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, after Luke Hughes and Jackson Lacombe re-signed at $9 million per season, Rasmus Andersson is also seeking a $9 million per season deal.
“From what I understand, Rasmus Andersen is looking for about $9 million per year. So, the debate begins as to whether Rasmus Andersen is going to get that much money in the summer when he becomes a free agent,” Flachness said. “Listen, a rising tide lifts all boats. I’m not saying he’s going to get it. I’m not saying he should get it. I’m just telling you, when the offseason negotiations happen, I do believe those are the numbers he’s looking at because they’re not going to sign anywhere until next summer and by then, the salary cap will be higher, so, who knows.”
NHL Rumors: Rasmus Andersen’s time with Calgary Flames is coming to an end
Again, this is a distraction the team doesn’t need early in the year. These types of distractions do exist with the New York Rangers. Not to mention the mutiny against the general manager. But general manager Craig Conroy did a good job a few seasons ago of moving players who didn’t want to be there and acquiring assets for them. In the summer of 2023, Tyler Toffoli started the job. Nikita Zadorov, Chris Tanev, Elias Lindholm and Jacob Markstrom later joined. The Flames were able to acquire good assets for these players.
It’s time for discussion again. Does Rasmus Andersen want to stay in Calgary, or does he not want to be there? Whichever side he belongs to, he needs answers before the game begins.
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