Kelly McCrimmon knew time was running out. Vegas Golden Knights’ general manager understood that Rasmus Andersson wouldn’t stay available through the Olympic break.
If he wanted to strengthen his defensive pairings, he had to move fast.
McCrimmon made his move Sunday. Vegas acquired the 29-year-old offensive defenseman from Calgary in exchange for defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in 2027 and a conditional second-rounder in 2028.
“I think in Rasmus, we get a high-end defenseman. He drives possession, he can make plays, he’s good in transition, he’s aggressive in the offensive zone — we think he’s really going to add to our hockey club.”
The Flames retained 50% of Andersson’s remaining salary. He’s in the final season of a six-year, $27.3 million contract.
Craig Conroy explained why Calgary acted quickly. The Flames general manager said negotiations changed when it became clear Andersson wouldn’t sign an extension with any team.
“To be able to get it done with Vegas, they were willing to do it and do it without a contract because that was one thing that was made clear to us just in the last, maybe 12 hours, was there wasn’t going to be an extension signed with any of the teams. That definitely changed the way we had to negotiate and what we got back in return.”
Vegas became interested in Andersson during the offseason. When his extension talks with Calgary stalled, trade discussions began.
Olympic Timing Creates Urgency
Andersson will represent Sweden in next month’s Olympics. That created pressure for Calgary to make a deal before the break.
McCrimmon understood the risk Calgary faced.
“He plays a hard game. An injury, I think, became a real issue for Calgary. I felt for a while that the longest Calgary would go before trading Rasmus would be the Olympic break. Because I don’t think if you’re in their position, you want the player going to the Olympics, potentially risking injury, and cost them a significant opportunity.”
Vegas is working through Andersson’s immigration status. There’s no timetable for his debut with the Knights until that’s resolved.
When Andersson does join Vegas, he’ll reunite with defenseman Noah Hanifin. The two spent five-plus seasons together in Calgary before Hanifin was traded to Vegas in March 2024.
Strong Production in Calgary
Andersson has appeared in all 48 of Calgary’s games this season. He’s recorded 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) with a plus-3 rating.
His 30 points lead Calgary defensemen. His 10 goals rank tied for eighth among all NHL defensemen.
The trade continues McCrimmon’s pattern of midseason moves since Vegas entered the league in 2017. The Knights made the deal Monday before taking the ice against the Philadelphia Flyers.
