Latest news with #RasmusAndersson
Edmonton Journal
4 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: The depth on defence
Article content As we go through every position in our Flames Retool Tracker series, the blue-line has always felt like it would be the most interesting week of the bunch. To get it started, here's a look at the organizational depth chart: The big question This isn't just the biggest question facing the Flames defence, it's going to be the dominant question surrounding the team as a whole until it gets sorted out. What do they do with Rasmus Andersson? The Swedish defenceman himself seemed to know that a long-term contract to stay in Calgary might not be forthcoming when he spoke with the media on garbage bag day. Not with guys like Zayne Parekh ready to break through soon. If a deal isn't worked out — and it seems unlikely — he'll have to be traded before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The return that GM Craig Conroy gets could be franchise-altering, even if Andersson underperformed in 2024-25. Is it best to move him this summer if there's a good offer on the table, or give him a chance to show he's back at his best before flipping him at the deadline?
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: The depth on defence
Article content No matter what way you cut it, the future of the Calgary Flames defence looks bright. Article content Article content The team has loaded up in the NHL Draft over the last couple years and also has a few early-20s talents who could break through soon. In a couple years, there's potential for the Flames blueline to be pretty … dare we say spectacular? Article content This summer, though, the focus will be almost entirely on what they choose to do with one of their veteran leaders and how it impacts the NHL roster next year. Article content As we go through every position in our Flames Retool Tracker series, the blue-line has always felt like it would be the most interesting week of the bunch. Article content To get it started, here's a look at the organizational depth chart: Article content The big question Article content This isn't just the biggest question facing the Flames defence, it's going to be the dominant question surrounding the team as a whole until it gets sorted out. What do they do with Rasmus Andersson? The Swedish defenceman himself seemed to know that a long-term contract to stay in Calgary might not be forthcoming when he spoke with the media on garbage bag day. Not with guys like Zayne Parekh ready to break through soon. If a deal isn't worked out — and it seems unlikely — he'll have to be traded before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The return that GM Craig Conroy gets could be franchise-altering, even if Andersson underperformed in 2024-25. Is it best to move him this summer if there's a good offer on the table, or give him a chance to show he's back at his best before flipping him at the deadline? Article content Article content Article content Let's assume the Flames move Andersson this summer. What does the defence look like next season? Joel Hanley had a great year for the Flames, but he's an unrestricted free agent and just makes more sense elsewhere. Getting Kevin Bahl re-signed — he's a restricted free agent — is a priority and MacKenzie Weegar is a proven No. 1. The two of them are a nice foundation. After that? Parekh is too young to play in the AHL and it would be a total waste to send him back to the OHL for another year. He's going to be around. There will be inevitable growing pains, but the sky's the limit for him. The Flames will be wanting to see more out of Jake Bean, but he's a proven NHLer and you'd expect him playing most nights, while it's a crucial year for the 27-year-old Daniil Miromanov if he wants to stick around in the NHL and Brayden Pachal provides a reliable, physical option on the third pairing. The Flames are in pretty decent shape even without Andersson, especially as they'll be hoping one or two of the guys we're about to speak about take another step and push for NHL playing time.
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: The depth on defence
Article content No matter what way you cut it, the future of the Calgary Flames defence looks bright. Article content The team has loaded up in the NHL Draft over the last couple years and also has a few early-20s talents who could break through soon. In a couple years, there's potential for the Flames blueline to be pretty … dare we say spectacular? Article content This summer, though, the focus will be almost entirely on what they choose to do with one of their veteran leaders and how it impacts the NHL roster next year. Article content Article content Article content This isn't just the biggest question facing the Flames defence, it's going to be the dominant question surrounding the team as a whole until it gets sorted out. What do they do with Rasmus Andersson? The Swedish defenceman himself seemed to know that a long-term contract to stay in Calgary might not be forthcoming when he spoke with the media on garbage bag day. Not with guys like Zayne Parekh ready to break through soon. If a deal isn't worked out — and it seems unlikely — he'll have to be traded before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The return that GM Craig Conroy gets could be franchise-altering, even if Andersson underperformed in 2024-25. Is it best to move him this summer if there's a good offer on the table, or give him a chance to show he's back at his best before flipping him at the deadline? Article content Article content Next year Article content Article content Let's assume the Flames move Andersson this summer. What does the defence look like next season? Joel Hanley had a great year for the Flames, but he's an unrestricted free agent and just makes more sense elsewhere. Getting Kevin Bahl re-signed — he's a restricted free agent — is a priority and MacKenzie Weegar is a proven No. 1. The two of them are a nice foundation. After that? Parekh is too young to play in the AHL and it would be a total waste to send him back to the OHL for another year. He's going to be around. There will be inevitable growing pains, but the sky's the limit for him. The Flames will be wanting to see more out of Jake Bean, but he's a proven NHLer and you'd expect him playing most nights, while it's a crucial year for the 27-year-old Daniil Miromanov if he wants to stick around in the NHL and Brayden Pachal provides a reliable, physical option on the third pairing. The Flames are in pretty decent shape even without Andersson, especially as they'll be hoping one or two of the guys we're about to speak about take another step and push for NHL playing time.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rasmus Andersson's future hangs in the balance as Flames weigh extension or trade
Andersson's commitment to Calgary amid trade speculations Rasmus Andersson , a stalwart on the Calgary Flames ' blue line, has expressed a strong desire to remain with the team that drafted him in 2015. "I love playing here and I've always loved playing here, that's never going to change," he stated, emphasizing his loyalty to Calgary. However, with one year remaining on his $4.55 million AAV contract, and eligibility for an extension starting July 1, Andersson's future is under scrutiny. General Manager Craig Conroy has acknowledged the importance of Andersson to the team's core, stating, "He's homegrown, and he's playing great for us. He's super competitive and wants to win." Despite this, reports suggest that the Flames are considering all options, including a potential trade, especially if contract negotiations do not progress favorably. Also read: Can Canada win gold? Meet the 15 players headed to 2025 IIHF Men's Hockey World Championship Evaluating trade value and team strategy Andersson's consistent performance, averaging over 24 minutes per game, makes him an attractive asset for teams seeking a top-pairing defenseman. Comparisons have been drawn to the 2021 trade of Seth Jones, where Columbus received two first-round picks and a second-rounder. While Andersson's offensive numbers have dipped recently, his leadership and experience remain invaluable. Live Events The Flames' management faces a strategic decision: retain Andersson as a cornerstone for the team's future or capitalize on his trade value to acquire assets that align with a potential rebuild. Conroy has previously traded key players like Tyler Toffoli and Elias Lindholm when long-term commitments were uncertain, indicating a pragmatic approach to roster management. Balancing leadership and long-term planning Beyond statistics, Andersson's role as a leader and mentor to younger players adds another layer to the decision-making process. His potential as a future captain and his influence in the locker room are factors that the Flames must weigh against the benefits of a trade. With promising prospects like Zayne Parekh emerging, the team must consider the timing and impact of any roster changes. Also read: Unstoppable Artūrs Šilovs delivers another shutout as Abbotsford Canucks seize Game 1 win over Colorado As the offseason approaches, the Flames are at a crossroads. The decision regarding Rasmus Andersson will not only affect the team's immediate competitiveness but also shape its identity and direction for years to come. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
CTV News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
These Calgary Flames are playing in the world hockey championship
Calgary Flames' Rasmus Andersson, right, celebrates his goal with teammate Mikael Backlund during second period NHL hockey action against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Calgary on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh) The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is kicking off in Sweden and Denmark on Friday and a handful of Calgary Flames are there to represent their country. Five Flames are currently on rosters at the tournament, along with head coach Ryan Huska, who is an assistant coach for Team Canada. Defenceman Mackenzie Weegar is donning the maple leaf, representing Canada. He finished the 2024-25 season tied for third in points on the Flames, notching eight goals and 39 assists for 47 points. Forward Mikael Backlund and defender Rasmus Andersson are representing their home country of Sweden. Andersson was named the team's captain, while Backlund is an assistant. Backlund finished the year with 15 goals and 17 assists. Andersson had 11 goals and 20 assists in 81 games but noted he was playing through a broken fibula down the stretch of the year. Goaltender Dan Vladar also made the trip for the tournament to join Czechia's roster. He started between the pipes in 29 games last year, winning 12, with a 2.80 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage. 2023 first-round pick Samuel Honzek was also selected to play for Slovakia. The 20-year-old forward suited up in five games with the Flames last season but spent most of the year with the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL, putting up eight goals and 13 assists. Zayne Parekh, the Flames' 2024 ninth-overall pick, joined Team Canada for their pre-tournament games, but was not included on the roster for the preliminary round. The puck drop for Canada's first game against Slovakia is scheduled for 4:20 a.m. on Saturday morning. Sweden takes on Slovakia at 12:20 p.m. on Friday, while Czechia faced off against Switzerland on Friday morning. Canada is in Group A for the preliminary stage, along with Austria, Finland, France, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden. TSN is carrying every game of the world hockey championship, taking place in Stockholm, Sweden; and Herning, Denmark. Visit the tournament's website for the full schedule.
