Montreal Pursues Major Defensive Upgrade with Rasmus Andersson Trade Proposal
The Montreal Canadiens are poised to make a significant move in their quest for a dominant defensive lineup. Despite already boasting one of the NHL’s strongest blue lines, the team is reportedly exploring a high-profile trade that could see them acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. This prospective blockbuster deal promises to reshape the Canadiens’ defensive core and solidify their playoff ambitions.
Trade Details: A Bold Proposal
In the proposed transaction, Montreal would send an NHL defenseman, a defensive prospect, an NHL forward, and two draft picks—including a coveted first-rounder—to Calgary in exchange for Andersson. This deal hinges on Andersson, who is entering the final year of his six-year, $27.3 million contract. The expectation is that any trade would come with a contract extension for the Swedish defenseman, who would step in as a top-four blueliner for the Canadiens.
Last season, Andersson demonstrated his offensive capabilities, netting 11 goals and providing 20 assists for a total of 31 points over 81 games. His skill set as a two-way defenseman makes him a valuable asset, and he is likely to attract significant interest from several teams.
The Price of Acquisition
To facilitate this trade, Montreal would need to part with a first and a second-round draft pick. This hefty price tag reflects the Canadiens’ strategy to simultaneously offload the two remaining years on Josh Anderson’s seven-year, $38.5 million contract. Anderson contributed 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points in the same number of games last season, but his contract has become a point of contention for the Canadiens.
Additionally, Montreal is expected to include 23-year-old prospect Jayden Struble in the deal. Struble, who lacks a clear path to significant playing time in Montreal, could emerge as an everyday defenseman in Calgary, filling the void left by Andersson. The Flames would also receive defense prospect Anton Engstrom, a third-round selection from the 2022 draft. Engstrom took considerable strides in his development last season and could quickly push for a spot on Calgary’s NHL roster.
Andersson’s Future in Question
Despite Andersson’s status as a standout defenseman, his potential trade stems from the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation. Flames captain Mikael Backlund has indicated that a trade is imminent, stating, “Yeah, he’s getting traded. It’s obvious. But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well.” Backlund’s candid commentary adds fuel to the growing speculation regarding Andersson’s future in Calgary.
While Andersson remains a coveted player, the Flames are keen to maximize their returns. Backlund noted that while discussions have yet to yield a resolution, circumstances can change quickly within the league.
Montreal’s Strategic Moves This Offseason
The Canadiens have already taken decisive steps to bolster their defense this offseason. The acquisition of Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders marked a significant move, particularly after trading away top defensive prospect Logan Mailloux. General manager Kent Hughes emphasized the importance of this maneuver, explaining, “We lost Logan in the trade for Zack Bolduc, and Justin Barron could shoot and we traded him to Nashville. Having shots from the point was a bit of a weakness for our group, so I think adding Noah helps, in addition to his puck movement and the variety that he brings.”
As the Canadiens look to build on their playoff success from last season, the potential addition of Andersson could be the key to transforming their defensive unit into one of the league’s most formidable. The upcoming season promises to be pivotal for Montreal, and this trade proposal could be just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the franchise.
