Vegas Golden Knights trade for Rasmus Andersson, star D from Flames

It wouldn’t be trade season if the Vegas Golden Knights weren’t involved. They’re taking a swing on the biggest name available this year.

The Knights acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames on Sunday night in a blockbuster deal, that was first reported by TSN.

Vegas Golden Knights trade details

The Knights are sending defenseman Zach Whitecloud, 2022 seventh-round pick defenseman Abram Wiebe and their 2027 first-round pick that is top-10 protected.

Calgary is also receiving the Knights’ second-round pick in 2028 that will become a first-round pick if the Knights win the Stanley Cup this season.

Reports suggested trade talks were picking up over the weekend, with the Knights as one of the favorites to land Andersson.

The Boston Bruins were reportedly in the driver’s seat to acquire Andersson. Boston was given permission to speak with Andersson about a potential contract extension, but no agreement was made.

There is no extension in place for Andersson right now. However, he’s been linked to the Knights dating back to the offseason when Andersson’s name first surfaced in trade rumors.

The Knights are taking a chance knowing they can sign the pending unrestricted free agent.

Who is Rasmus Andersson?

Andersson, 29, in the final year of a six-year, $27.3 million contract.

The Knights are acquiring Andersson on 50 percent retention of his $4.55 million cap hit.

Andersson has 30 points in 48 games this season and was the best puck-moving defenseman available on the market.

There was a feeling, at least from Andersson, that his time in Calgary was coming to an end on Saturday following the Flames’ 4-2 win over the New York Islanders.

He took a mini lap to acknowledge the fans after the game, then hugged and celebrated with his teammates.

Andersson was taken in the second round by the Flames in the 2015 draft. He scored a career-high 50 points and was a plus-30 during the 2021-22 season.

A native of Malmo, Sweden, Andersson will be the Knights’ ninth player to represent his country in the Winter Olympics in February.

Second blockbuster deal with Flames

It’s the second time in three years the Knights and Flames have struck a blockbuster involving a defenseman. The Knights acquired Noah Hanifin in March 2024 the week of the trade deadline for a conditional first-round pick, defenseman Daniil Miromanov and a third-round pick.

The Flames could own the Knights’ next three first-round picks if the Knights win the Stanley Cup this season.

Hanifin was also a pending UFA that year, but the Knights signed him to an eight-year, $58.8 million extension a month later.

Moving on from Zach Whitecloud

Andersson immediately replaces Whitecloud in a top-four role. It’s likely he reunites with Hanifin, his former defense partner in Calgary.

Losing Whitecloud is a sentimental blow in the locker room. The 29-year-old was a mainstay since signing as a college free agent from Bemidji State in 2018.

He worked his way up developmentally, starting with the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League and growing into a consistent third-pairing role in the NHL.

Whitecloud played all 368 career games with the Knights and played a pivotal role in helping the Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023. Though he was never given a letter on his sweater, he grew into a leadership role throughout his years.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.