Insider reporting that a new top pairing, right-shot defenseman has just hit the trade market
The Toronto Maple Leafs are back in the win column thanks to a 4-3 OT win over the Philadelphia Flyers last night, and with every passing win, it increases the likelihood that the Leafs are going to be buyers at the trade deadline to give themselves the best chance to compete for a Stanley Cup this spring/summer.
The Leafs have already been linked to just about every name that's been out there, particularly on the blueline. Obviously, their most common trade deadline link has been with the Calgary Flames and most of the discussion has surrounded Toronto native Chris Tanev. However, one insider dropped a juicy update on Friday suggesting that another top defender may now be available in Calgary. No, I'm not talking about Noah Hanifin, whom the Leafs have also been linked to, I'm talking about Rasmus Andersson.
ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported early this morning that Andersson has been drawing some interest from around the league, given his age and contract status.
Andersson, 27, is currently on pace for his 3rd consecutive 45+ point season, having already produced 7 goals and 28 points in 50 games this season after scoring 11 goals and 49 points last season and 50 points just one season prior. The 6-foot-1, 202 pound right shot defenseman was a former 2nd round pick by the Flames back in 2015 and has established himself as one of the league's better two-way defensemen. He blocks a ton of shots, doesn't shy away from the physical game and, most importantly, provides a tangible upgrade on the right side of the ice if you're the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Obviously, the big issue here is going to be the cost. With Andersson signed for 2 more seasons after this one at a very modest $4.55M, Andersson is going to yield a large return for the Flames and there will undoubtedly be a bidding war for his services if the Flames are serious about moving him.
The rumoured asking price for Chris Tanev is a 2nd round pick and another asset. The rumoured asking price for Hanifin is a 1st round pick, a decent roster player and a couple of 2nd round picks/prospect equivalent. Andersson, being arguably the best of the 3, is likely to fetch an even greater return.
If you're a Leafs fan, are you willing to part with a package that might equate to Timothy Liljegren, Nicholas Robertson, Fraser Minten and a 1st round pick in 2024 to acquire Andersson from Calgary? Let us know in the poll below.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 16 | 1286 ANSWERS Insider reporting that a new top pairing, right-shot defenseman has just hit the trade market Would you trade Timothy Liljegren, Nicholas Robertson, Fraser Minten and a 1st round pick in 2024 to acquire Rasmus Andersson? | ||
| Yes | 217 | 16.9 % |
| No | 907 | 70.5 % |
| I'd give up a comparable package, but not that one | 162 | 12.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
