Rasmus Andersson is looking for big money from the Flames this summer

One of the biggest stories surrounding the Calgary Flames this offseason will be the future of Rasmus Andersson. The uncertainty surrounding the 28-year-old defenceman is something Flames fans will be closely watching, as the team misses the playoffs for the third straight season.

A major debate within the fanbase is whether extending Andersson or trading him for more assets is worth it. Andersson will be eligible for a contract extension on July 1st, and he’s likely to get a huge pay raise. As for the amount he’d sign for, it’s also been unclear and heavily debated on.

Well, we now may have an idea of what Andersson could be looking for financially, and according to the Flames Talk podcast, it could be a pretty large number…

Andersson is looking for a hefty contract extension

According to Pat Steinberg and Wes Gilbertson, they believe that a solution to Andersson’s situation won’t happen by July 1st. Surrounding contract details, Andersson’s camp may be asking for a number similar to what Washington Capitals defenceman Jacob Chychrun got, which was eight years with an AAV of $9 million. As for the Flames, they would likely offer Andersson an extension similar to what Neal Pionk got with the Winnipeg Jets, which was six years with an AAV of $7 million.

“I do think that there’s going to be a gap that needs to be bridged between the Flames and Andersson if they’re going to get to a contract. I don’t know if an eight-year deal is what we’re going to see if the Flames end up signing a deal with Rasmus. An eight-year deal would have him (Andersson) playing from 30 to 38. I don’t know if that’s in the best interest of where the Flames are going.”

An Andersson trade is more likely now

If $9 million is the number Andersson is asking for, then a trade makes all the sense in the world. Andersson will be 30 by the time his new contract rolls around, and it has the potential to age terribly if he’s signed to a high number. Based on his demeanor and comments from his end-of-season media availability, the Flames and Andersson could be headed towards a divorce. For the sake of both parties, it’s best to move on.

Andersson could land on a team that offers both a hefty paycheck and a legitimate shot at winning. As for the Flames, moving him would bring in valuable picks and prospects to help fuel their rebuild. Let’s be honest: Andersson isn’t winning anything in Calgary anytime soon. Meanwhile, contending teams would be eager to add a top-four defenseman of his caliber to bolster their blue line.

The Flames have a big decision to make this offseason, but for many fans, it’s a no-brainer to move on. Another veteran signed to a big contract would do them no benefit, and the Flames’ prospect pool on the right side is looking promising, with names such as Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz likely making strong cases to join the Flames’ roster next season.