Could the Detroit Red Wings be another suitor for Rasmus Andersson?

For a team with playoff aspirations, the right side of the Red Wings’ blueline is questionable. Moritz Seider is their top option on the right, but below him it gets thin. A top-four defence core consisting of Ben Chiarot and Jacob Bernard-Docker simply isn’t going to cut it in the long run.

Slotting in Rasmus Andersson would make total sense here. He’d instantly become Detroit’s second-best option on the right, and he’d slide right into their top four. Also not to mention he’s on a bargain of a contract only making $4.5 million per year, while the Red Wings have a little over $12 million in cap space. Andersson would provide the instant upgrade this team desperately needs on the blueline to help their playoff goals come to fruition.

Assets the Flames would look at in an Andersson to Red Wings trade

Compared to a team like Dallas or Vegas, Detroit has more assets that they could potentially offer in an Andersson trade. The Flames have a set price, and it’s more likely that the Red Wings meet it than both of the teams listed above. Here are the assets I think the Flames could take a look at:

Draft picks

Getting a first-round pick in any Andersson trade is a non-negotiable for the Flames. Luckily, the Red Wings are in possession of their 2026 first-rounder. While some teams may be hesitant to give up draft picks in a good draft class, the Red Wings are in the position where they need immediate help. Building for the future at this point should be on the back burner, as they need players who can help them win now. The Red Wings possess picks in all seven rounds in 2026 and 2028.

Prospects

The Red Wings also have an intriguing prospect pool. There are certainly some names that I can see the Flames being interested in. One player who particularly stands out to me is Nate Danielson. He’s a right-shot centre (something Craig Conroy has been looking for) who’s only 20 years old and who was also a top-ten pick in 2023. This season, Danielson had his rookie year in the AHL, where he put up 12 goals and 39 points in 71 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Red Wings also have intriguing left-handed defensive prospects in Axel Sandin-Pellika and William Willander.

Maybe a return for Andersson consists of Nate Danielson and Detroit’s 2026 first-round pick? I think many Flames fans would be happy with this return as they get a player who fits their timeline and another first-round pick in a good draft class. The Flames may even get more on top of that if Andersson decides to sign an extension, which I’ll talk more about below.

Roster players?

While I’m sure the Flames would be wondering about roster players, I think it’s best if the team just targets futures in an Andersson trade. There isn’t anyone who’s currently on the Red Wings’ roster who would be a major upgrade. Rather the Flames should just target picks and prospects.

The major issue surrounding any Andersson trade

It’s painfully obvious that the Flames need to get an Andersson trade sorted out. While they can hold on to him into the season, it’s not the smartest move at all. The noise would be loud, and the team would be putting their biggest trade asset at risk if they held on too long.

As mentioned, the extension talks surrounding Andersson have primarily been what’s holding this up. Many teams simply won’t give their best offers if Andersson won’t sign an extension with them, as it’s been reported that many failed trades have already happened due to Andersson’s lack of commitment. If the Flames can trade an extended Andersson, their return in a trade will be higher than trading Andersson as just a rental.

While the Red Wings seem like a good fit, the dreaded question is whether or not Andersson would be willing to commit there. It’s clear Andersson wants to win, so would he be convinced by what Detroit is building? I’m not so sure. Either way, the Flames are in danger of this situation turning out exactly like it did with Noah Hanifin.

Final thoughts

This is a situation that Flames fans are desperately hoping ends soon. For me personally, I think it would be a huge mistake for Andersson to start the season with the Flames. The damage has already been done, and the noise would be prominent.

Therefore, if more teams are willing to trade for Andersson, his market would certainly improve. With that being said, the reality is that Andersson controls his destiny. It was a mistake by the Flames not to trade him sooner. Let’s just hope this gets resolved soon.