Hurricanes Predicted to Land Rasmus Andersson

After coming up short in the Eastern Conference Final yet again, the Carolina Hurricanes have been very active this offseason. Carolina has a bunch of talent across the roster, but they have fallen short year after year.

The front office added star defender K'Andre Miller this summer, giving their defense a jolt. But the team isn't stopping there, and it could see them go after more talent.

One option for the Hurricanes could be star defender Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames. Andersson and the Flames discussed a contract extension this summer, but the two sides weren't able to agree on a deal.

This has led to all sorts of trade speculation around the defenseman. Calgary has discussed deals around the NHL, but due to the high asking price, nothing has come about yet.

NHL writer Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report linked Andersson to the Hurricanes. In the piece, Carolina is being predicted to trade for the Flames' star at the trade deadline next season.

"The Carolina Hurricanes could be among the suitors if Conroy attempts to move Andersson by the March trade deadline. They lack a reliable all-around right-shot rearguard among their top two defense pairings.

"Andersson's ability to play big minutes and contribute offensively could make him a good fit alongside Jaccob Slavin on the Hurricanes' top pairing," Richardson wrote.

If the Hurricanes could add a player like Andersson, it could help them finally get over the hump. Carolina has been getting close in recent years, but they've been missing a piece or two to finish the job.

Last season with the Flames, Andersson put up 11 goals and 20 assists. Putting his production on this Carolina blueline could give them one of the better defensive units around the league.

The cost to land Andersson could be very high for the Hurricanes, but it also may be worth it. The Hurricanes' front office hasn't been shy in terms of being aggressive, and it doesn't seem like that plan will stop anytime soon.