The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames in a major NHL trade. We dive into the trade grades, the return for Calgary, and how this moves the needle for Vegas in 2026.
Hockey fans, the Sin City is at it again! Just when you thought the trade market might stay quiet until the deadline, the Vegas Golden Knights pulled off a massive move. They’ve officially landed defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames, signaling that they are once again going all-in for another Stanley Cup.
Trade Breakdown at a Glance
| Team | Receives | Grade |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Rasmus Andersson (50% salary retained) | A- |
| Calgary Flames | Zach Whitecloud, 2027 1st-Round Pick (top-10 protected), Conditional 2028 2nd-Round Pick (becomes 1st if Vegas wins the Cup), Abram Wiebe | B- |
Why Rasmus Andersson is a Game Changer for Vegas
The Vegas Golden Knights don’t do “rebuilding.” They live for the now. With the news of Alex Pietrangelo’s career likely being over due to injury, there was a massive hole on the right side of their defense. Enter Rasmus Andersson.
Andersson is exactly what Vegas needs. He is a workhorse who eats up minutes—averaging over 24 minutes a night this season. But he isn’t just a defensive body; he’s an offensive threat. With 10 goals and 30 points already this season, he gives the Golden Knights a dangerous weapon on the blue line. He’s also reunited with his old partner, Noah Hanifin, making this transition seamless.
While some worry about the lack of a contract extension, Vegas has a history of making players want to stay. For now, Rasmus Andersson is the ultimate rental to help them navigate a tough Western Conference.
Did the Calgary Flames Get Enough in Return?
Trading a franchise cornerstone like Rasmus Andersson is never easy for fans to swallow. Calgary general manager Craig Conroy was in a tough spot because Andersson had made it clear he wasn’t going to sign an extension. When a player says they want to test free agency, your leverage as a GM drops significantly.
Still, the Flames didn’t come away empty-handed. In exchange for Rasmus Andersson, they received Zach Whitecloud, a reliable and affordable defenseman who is under contract for two more seasons. They also secured a 2027 first-round pick and a prospect in Abram Wiebe.
The “real” prize for Calgary might be the conditional 2028 pick. If Vegas wins the Stanley Cup this year, that second-rounder turns into another first-round pick. It’s a gamble, but for a team in a “retooling” phase, accumulating high-end draft capital is the only way forward.
Vegas Golden Knights: The Ruthless Pursuit of Glory
You have to respect the hustle in Nevada. While other teams worry about “windows” and “cycles,” the Golden Knights treat every year like it’s their last. By acquiring Rasmus Andersson, they have solidified themselves as the front-runners in the Pacific Division.
Currently sitting on a seven-game winning streak, Vegas looks unstoppable. They have the cap space (thanks to LTIR) and the motivation. Adding a player like Rasmus Andersson isn’t just about the regular season; it’s about having a physical, puck-moving defender who can handle the grind of a seven-game playoff series.
Final Verdict: Who Won the Trade?
In the short term, Vegas is the clear winner. They got the best player in the deal and filled their biggest roster hole. Rasmus Andersson makes them a much scarier team to face in April and May.
For Calgary, the success of this trade won’t be known for years. If that 2027 pick turns into a star or if Whitecloud becomes a leader for their young defensive core, the grade will go up. For now, it’s a “sobering” trade that reminds everyone just how far the Flames are from being contenders again.
As we look toward the 2026 playoffs, Rasmus Andersson is officially the new face of the Vegas blue line, and the rest of the league has been put on notice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there an extension in place for Rasmus Andersson in Vegas?
No, there is currently no contract extension. Rasmus Andersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this summer, though many expect Vegas to try and sign him long-term.
2. Why did Calgary retain 50% of Andersson’s salary?
By retaining half of the salary, Calgary was able to demand a higher return in draft picks and prospects. It also makes it much easier for Vegas to fit Rasmus Andersson under the salary cap.
3. What happens to the 2028 draft pick if Vegas doesn’t win the Cup?
If Vegas fails to win the Stanley Cup in 2026, the pick remains a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft.
4. How does this impact Zach Whitecloud’s career?
Whitecloud returns to his home country of Canada. He will likely take on a larger leadership role in Calgary as they transition through their rebuild.
5. Will Rasmus Andersson play in the 2026 Olympics?
Yes! Rasmus Andersson has been named to Team Sweden’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, which take place shortly after this trade.
Would you like me to analyze the potential line pairings for Vegas now that they have Andersson?
