Flames and Andersson Contract Talks Collapse, Western Rivals Ready to Strike Big

Per Pro Hockey Rumors, the Flames appear content to allow Andersson to come into training camp without a new contract beyond this year.

While it's believed there were at least initial discussions about a new deal this offseason, the belief is that there's still a big gap to bridge and clearly, neither side appears to be in a rush to try to reduce the difference. GM Craig Conroy has stated multiple times that he's comfortable with Andersson coming to camp without an extension in place and based on the lack of contact between the two sides, that appears to be the likeliest outcome as things stand.

Andersson still has a year left with an AAV (average annual value) of $4,550,000 on his contract, and doesn't appear like he's on the verge of signing a long-term extension to stay in northern Alberta.

The breakdown in talks signals major roster shifts ahead, impacting the Flames' future and Western Conference dynamics.

If Andersson decides to leave the Flames, it would leave not only a massive hold on the Flames' blue line, but would also significantly weaken a Flames team that has missed the postseason in each of the last 3 years.

Calgary hasn't made the playoffs since their infamous trade of Matthew Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar, and it would be especially troublesome for them if he were to join another Western Conference team like the Golden Knights or the Los Angeles Kings.

Rival teams could capitalize on this fallout, setting the stage for one of the season's biggest trades.

One team that could try and acquire Andersson from the Flames is the divisional foe Vegas Golden Knights, who are preparing for life after defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who is expected to potentially never play again.

Not only would adding Andersson strengthen an already very deep Golden Knights team, but would also hamper the Flames and make them weaker in an already strong division.