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Blockbuster Rasmus Andersson Trade Reportedly Brewing With Rival Canadian Team
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson according to Leafs insider Nick Kypreos, making a trade at the draft later today a real possibility.

This season was a make or break year for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With Mitch Marner on an expiring contract, the team needed to prove that this core is capable of going on a deep playoff run to keep them together, but that did not come to fruition.

Now there is a lot of speculation as to where Marner will end up, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes he will end up with a Pacific Division contender.

On the bright side for Toronto, letting Marner walk in free agency does give them more cap space to improve in other areas.

Even without Marner, the Leafs forward core is still the strength of the team thanks to Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares.

But what about their blueline? The Leafs' defense has been a weak point for the club in recent years, and it appears as though Brad Treliving is well aware of this issue.

In fact, According to Leafs insider Nick Kypreos, the general manager is interested in acquiring defenseman Rasmus Andersson from his former club in the Calgary Flames.

With the first round of the 2025 NHL draft taking place tonight, this is a perfect opportunity for Treliving to make a major splash on the trade market.

Andersson would be a huge addition to the Leafs, giving them a reliable two-way defender that can contribute in every area of the game.

Andersson had 11 goals and 31 points in 82 games last season with Calgary, and posted a career-worst rating of -38 that could give the Leafs some pause, but he could be poised for a bounce back season, especially if he is with a better team.

Furthermore, the Flames are reportedly actively shopping the 28-year-old blueliner, and he's already been linked to other teams.

As a result, the price for Andersson could get high, especially for Treliving as the Flames may be hesitant to help out their former GM.

Could a deal still be worth it for the Leafs even under these circumstances? We'll just have to wait to find out.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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