Flames Captain Confirms Rasmus Andersson's Time in Calgary Is Coming to an End

Rasmus Andersson Speaks on His Future

Andersson, 28, enters the final season of his six-year, $27.3 million contract without any progress toward an extension.

The blueliner confirmed to Swedish outlet Expressen that he hasn’t had contact with the Flames in more than a month. He also said he rejected a significant long-term deal from another NHL team about six weeks ago.

“I thought about a lot of things. I talked to my family and thought that right then and there, I wasn’t really keen on moving my family there and signing a long-term contract; that’s what it all came down to,” Andersson said.

Andersson, however, denied reports that he is fixated on joining the Vegas Golden Knights. That said, he admitted he has already given Calgary a list of teams he would consider if traded.

The Ottawa Senators and the Los Angeles Kings have been linked to the Flames defenseman in the event of a trade.

Flames Facing a Tough Decision

Andersson scored 11 goals and provided 20 assists in 81 regular-season games last year, making him a reliable contributor on the Flames’ blue line.

With unrestricted free agency looming in July 2026, the Flames face a difficult choice and will have to make a decision on Andersson's future between now and next season's trade deadline:

• Extend Andersson if terms can be agreed upon, which seems unlikely at this point.
• Trade Andersson at the 2026 deadline if no extension materializes, getting something in return.
• Risk losing Andersson for nothing in free agency should he walk, albeit benefiting from having the defenseman available for a playoff run if the Flames make the postseason.

Backlund, 36, acknowledged the uncertainty while reflecting on Calgary’s narrow miss of the 2025 playoffs, which might be enough to convince the Flames' front office to bet on keeping Andersson through the regular season and the playoffs.

“We almost made the playoffs and were the second-lowest scoring team (in the league),” Backlund said. “I know they were trying to add some top scoring. We play hard. We made it hard on teams, and that’s what we have to do this year again. Win as a collective.

“I feel like the group we had last year was really good. Great bond, close group. Everyone bought into the way we play, and we’re going to have to do that again. Buy into it. And the standards are higher this year than last year.”