Flames could revisit extension talks with key defenseman

LeBrun concluded by saying that a trade remains the most likely outcome regardless of this new development.

This news changes the tone surrounding Andersson in a notable way, as it had previously appeared as though he was as close to a lock to be traded as one can get in the NHL.

But with a high-stakes unrestricted free agency looming, one that represents what is likely to be Andersson’s best chance at a long-term, extremely lucrative contract, it appears Andersson and his camp (led by 4Sports Hockey’s Claude Lemieux) don’t want to completely close the door on a potential bidder for Andersson’s services.

The soon-to-be-29-year-old Swedish blueliner has a very real chance at being the top defenseman available in next summer’s UFA market. Andersson is a true top-pairing right-handed defenseman, something that would make him a rare, highly sought-after player on a free agent market. Andersson averaged 24 minutes of ice time per night in 2024-25, including the most penalty-kill ice time of any Flames player.

Andersson is a highly competitive blueliner who plays with an edge, and he matches his ability to weather difficult defensive assignments with a solid level of offensive ability. He scored a career-high 50 points in 2021-22 and while his scoring numbers have steadily climbed down since that season (49 points in 2022-23, 39 in 2023-24, and 31 in 2024-25) he remains an all-around force and one of head coach Ryan Huska’s most trusted contributors.

The Flames’ alternate captain is the kind of player nearly every NHL team would like to add to its lineup, though his future free agent case is not without its risks. Andersson is set to play out the vast majority of his next contract in his 30s, and while he’s still a capable offensive contributor, his steady decline in production in recent years could give some teams pause. It could be fair to question whether the team that signs Andersson, due to the multiple seasons of 40-plus points on his resume, will ultimately end up paying for a level of production Andersson is no longer able to provide.

Accordingly, despite major factors set to act in Andersson’s favor next summer (such as the rarity of top-pairing right-handed defensemen on the open market) it would be understandable for Andersson to give serious thought to signing an eight-year extension in Calgary during the season should the club offer one.

At this stage, though, such speculation remains premature. As LeBrun reported, even with the revival of the slight prospect that Andersson re-signs in Calgary, the overwhelmingly likely scenario is that he is eventually traded. But until that happens, it appears Flames fans will be able to hold onto hope that their team’s longest-tenured defenseman may yet stay in Calgary.