Rasmus Andersson made a noteworthy debut with the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, January 23, 2026, during a game that also marked Mitch Marner's return to Toronto. The Golden Knights secured a 6-3 victory over the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.

Andersson, recently acquired from the Calgary Flames, joined his former defensive partner Noah Hanifin on the ice. He contributed an assist, two shots, and three blocked shots in his 21 minutes and 34 seconds of play.

While Marner's return was the main focus, Andersson's arrival added another layer to the game. Marner, who spent nine seasons with the Maple Leafs, was met with a mix of cheers and boos from the Toronto crowd. Despite some detractors, many fans gave him a standing ovation after a tribute video. Some fans showed support with signs that read "We miss you Mitch". Marner acknowledged the crowd and expressed his expectation of the boos, but humorously noted the cheers as he stepped off the ice after his first shift.

Andersson's debut was initially uncertain due to visa issues, as he had previously only lived in Sweden and Canada. Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged the immigration-related hurdles but indicated that Andersson's presence with the team meant there was a chance he would play.

The Golden Knights' victory was fueled by a strong start, with Jack Eichel scoring just over a minute into the game, extending his point streak to 11 games, while Mark Stone extended his to 14. Keegan Kolesar added another goal, and strong performances from all four lines contributed to the win.

Andersson expressed his excitement about joining a "real contender" after a decade with the Flames. He said, “I've had a great time in Calgary, I've loved every second of it. I can't say good enough things about that organization. But at the same time I think it was time for them and it was time for me to try something different…This is a real contender".

The Golden Knights' general manager, Kelly McCrimmon, praised Andersson's puck possession skills and offensive contributions, emphasizing his ability to transition well and play aggressively.

With this win, the Golden Knights improved to 25-13-12, solidifying their lead in the Pacific Division. The team will now head to Ottawa to face the Senators.