The fallout from a midseason deal between the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights is quickly becoming a puzzle the Golden Knights are going to have to solve. Expected to be a big help when acquired in a trade, Rasmus Andersson has been anything but, and the Golden Knights have lost more games than they’ve won with him a part of the roster.
Back on January 18–19, Calgary dealt the defenseman—a pending unrestricted free agent—to Vegas in a move that, at the time, looked like a textbook trade deadline fit. With one of the big names available, it was inevitable that Vegas would pursue the trade (something they are known to do), and Andersson only wanted to go to the Golden Knights. A team firmly in contender mode, with a lot of benefits, the idea was that the team would add a reliable right-shot blueliner (with 50 percent salary retained) to help stabilize their back end amid injuries.
In return, the Flames landed Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-rounder that could upgrade to a first.
The Golden Knights Appear to Have Made a Bad Bet
Fast forward just over two months, and the narrative surrounding the trade is not a positive one for the Golden Knights. Since the deal, Calgary has posted nine wins compared to Vegas’ eight. While the difference is marginal, one has to remember Calgary is planning a rebuild while Vegas is trying to compete for the playoffs. The results should be much more one-sided in favor of Vegas.
More concerning for Vegas is Andersson’s individual performance. Speaking on Sports1440, TSN’s Craig Button suggested the defenseman’s play will raise questions about whether it’s worth investing in him long-term. Once seen as a slam-dunk extension candidate, Andersson decided to hold off on an extension with the Flames to test his luck in free agency. He may be regretting that decision.
Button compared the situation to John Klingberg‘s from a few seasons ago. He famously bet on himself in free agency and turned down a lucrative deal, only to find out that no one else wanted to sign him. He ultimately settled for shorter-term deals, eventually moving over to Edmonton for pennies on the dollar. He’s now in San Jose.
With Andersson set to hit free agency on July 1 and Vegas facing a tight salary cap situation, signing him is no longer a formality. They may force him to prove himself before they’re comfortable offering term.
Next: Bouchard’s OT Winner Might Be a Warning Shot for Vegas
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