The Toronto Maple Leafs should consider making a strong push to acquire Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. With the NHL Draft approaching and trade rumors swirling, Andersson's name has emerged as a prominent target, and the Leafs, who previously expressed interest in him, should be at the forefront of teams vying for his services.
Andersson, 27, is entering the final year of his contract, carrying a reasonable $4.55 million AAV. Recent reports indicate that extension talks between Andersson and the Flames have stalled, making his departure from Calgary increasingly likely. With the Flames in a rebuilding phase and Andersson seeking a contract that reflects his value, a trade appears to be the most logical outcome for both parties.
Several factors make Andersson an ideal fit for the Maple Leafs. First and foremost, Toronto is in dire need of a reliable, right-shot defenseman. Andersson checks all the boxes in this regard. He brings size (6'1", 202 lbs), physicality, and experience as a top-pairing defender. While his offensive production dipped last season to 31 points, he is only a year removed from a 50-point campaign, showcasing his potential to contribute offensively from the blue line.
The Maple Leafs struggled to generate offense from their defensemen last season, making Andersson's ability to chip in with goals and assists a valuable asset. Moreover, he is known for his shot-blocking prowess and his ability to log significant minutes, qualities that would address key areas of concern for the Leafs. Last season, Andersson played a considerable amount of his minutes against top-tier competition, maintaining solid underlying numbers, which demonstrates his capability to handle tough assignments.
From the Flames' perspective, trading Andersson now makes sense for several reasons. The team is committed to a rebuild, and with promising right-handed defense prospects like Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz on the horizon, Andersson's long-term role with the team is uncertain. By trading him now, the Flames can acquire valuable assets, such as draft picks or prospects, to bolster their rebuilding efforts. The upcoming draft is particularly rich in center talent, making it an opportune time for Calgary to add a top prospect at that position.
While Andersson had a tough year, finishing with a historically poor plus/minus, it is important to consider the context. He was often paired with Kevin Bahl, and that pairing struggled considerably. Despite the struggles, Andersson remains a valuable asset, especially for a team like the Maple Leafs seeking to improve their defensive depth and add a right-shot defenseman with offensive capabilities.
Of course, acquiring Andersson will not be easy. Several other teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Montreal Canadiens, are reportedly interested in his services. The Maple Leafs will need to put together a compelling trade package to entice the Flames. Given that Toronto lacks a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, they may need to get creative and offer a combination of prospects and later-round picks to get the deal done. Some potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs include Crouse, Colton, Kane and Mercer.
Ultimately, acquiring Rasmus Andersson would be a significant boost for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He would address a key need on their blue line, provide valuable experience and leadership, and add a much-needed offensive dimension to their defense. While the cost of acquiring him may be high, the potential reward is well worth the investment.
