Friedman on Andersson: ‘At some point this year, Craig Conroy is going to get what he wants to get to move him’

Rasmus Andersson is under contract with the Calgary Flames through the 2025-26 season.

But his future beyond this season remains unclear, with projections ranging from “murky” to “definitely being traded.” Heck, during the NHL’s European Player Media Tour, Flames captain Mikael Backlund told The Athletic regarding Andersson: “He’s getting traded. It’s obvious.”

However, for the time being, Andersson remains with the Flames, with general manager Craig Conroy noting prior to the season-opening Flames Foundation golf tournament that he doesn’t think Andersson’s situation will be a distraction.

In the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas discussed Andersson’s future.

Here’s Friedman:

“I just think it’s going to come down to do the Flames get what they want for them? And, you know, the thing here is it looks like it’s, it sounds like it’s everybody here is doing their best to bend over backwards and be professional. Right? Andersson showed up. He’s ready. He’s going to play. The Flames obviously keep putting him in good positions where he gets a lot of minutes and he gets opportunity. So, and because he’s a good player, it benefits them to do that. So I just believe that at some point this year, Craig Conroy is going to get what he wants to get to move him. And I think that’s simply what’s going to happen.”

Friedman and Bukauskas also discussed how attractive Andersson’s current contract is, especially with the new playoff salary cap rules. Andersson’s current cap hit is $4.55 million, and it could be as low as $2.275 million if the Flames could be convinced to retain 50% of his cap hit in a deal.

“So this is a player who’s going to be available this year that the new salary cap rules, they’re not going to be as onerous towards,” said Friedman. “And I don’t think that’s a small thing. I just think at some point in time this year, everybody will get what they want.”

The Flames’ prospects play a pair of games against Edmonton’s prospects this weekend before beginning main training camp next week.