Oilers Insider Reports Calgary Flames Owner Would Block Teams From Making a Trade
Stan Bowman and the Edmonton Oilers are shopping the trade market for a top four defenceman, but the best player available is likely off-limits for them.
Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames may be the best fit for the Edmonton Oilers as a veteran right shot defender, but Oilers insider Jim Matheson says the Flames owner would block the trade from happening.
The Oilers have seen Andersson up close and personal in the Battle of Alberta for the last 8 seasons, and although he's a bitter rival, most Oilers fans would admit he's a good player.
Andersson has the ability to play a full 200 foot game, being trusted with the hardest defensive assignments while also contributing on offence. He's a mobile skater, can make a great first pass, and at 6'1 and over 200 pounds, he can be physical too.
Last season was a bit of a down year on a rebuilding Flames team, only scoring 9 goals and 39 points with a -11 on ice rating. His career best year came in 2021-22 when the Flames were competitive - Andersson scored 50 points and had a fantastic +30 rating.
Under contract for this year and next year for only $4.55M, Andersson is on a bargain of a contract too. The team that does acquire Andersson in trade will have to pay a fortune to get him for the next two years - likely more than just a first round draft pick and a prospect.
The Oilers may not have even been able to afford him, but being a non-starter trade is tough for Edmonton. Instead, Jim Matheson suggested Penguins defenceman Marcus Pettersson and Hawks defender Connor Murphy as more realistic options.
Whoever the Oilers acquire, it better be a home run of a trade. Their defence sorely needs an upgrade heading into the playoffs, and it could make or break their Stanley Cup Chances.
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