What the Vegas Golden Knights intend to do with defenseman Rasmus Andersson is a bit of a mystery these days. Since trading for Andersson from the Calgary Flames, the team has struggled. Their poor record with him in the lineup (not that he’s entirely to blame) might have some wondering if the organization is second-guessing their plans.
However, according to one source, the Golden Knights aren’t deterred. Even though they fired Bruce Cassidy as their coach and hired John Tortorella as an interim bench boss for eight games and a possible playoff run, the team isn’t abandoning its pre-existing plans for certain players. At least, not yet.
Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 tweeted a quote from a conversation on his show Tuesday. “I think a deal is 99% agreed to. He will re-sign with Vegas. The only way it doesn’t happen would be if something changes in the front office, and even then, I’d be surprised,” Ken Boehlke of Sin Bin Vegas said. He believes Andersson is staying in Vegas.
In other words, unless the coach, the GM, and other major positions are changed out, Vegas intends to sign Andersson.
What Are the Golden Knights Waiting For?
As for what it will cost, given his downturn since arriving, that’s unclear. Perhaps he’s earned a big contract regardless. Or, maybe Vegas is waiting to see how bad things get. Or, it might be as simple as waiting to conduct business once the season is over.
The Golden Knights are right in the thick of a scramble for the playoffs and nothing is guaranteed yet. Given the coaching change and other things up in the air, finalizing Andersson’s deal probably isn’t a priority for either side.
If they’re 99 percent there, it’s just a matter of quickly dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.
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