Is Rasmus Andersson the Missing Piece for a Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Run?

0 Diana khan October 13, 2025

The trade chatter around the league is getting louder, and for good reason. All signs are pointing to a blockbuster trade that could see Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson heading to the Vegas Golden Knights before the NHL trade deadline. As someone who has followed both of these teams for years, this is a move that has “inevitable” written all over it.

The Golden Knights have a history of making bold moves, and this one fits the bill. With Alex Pietrangelo on long-term injury reserve, there’s a gaping hole on the blue line that needs to be filled if they want to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup. Andersson isn’t just a rental; he’s a top-pairing defenseman who can log big minutes and contribute at both ends of the ice. He’s the kind of player you build a championship team around.

A Perfect Fit for a Contender

For the Flames, the writing is on the wall. Andersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and it’s clear that a contract extension isn’t in the cards. It makes perfect sense for them to get a return on their investment now rather than lose him for nothing in the offseason. The Golden Knights, with their aggressive management and “win now” mentality, are the perfect trade partner.

The Salary Cap Puzzle

Of course, the biggest hurdle is the salary cap. The Golden Knights will have to get creative to fit Andersson’s contract onto their books. This could mean shedding salary in a separate trade or sending a roster player back to Calgary as part of the deal. But if we’ve learned anything from the Golden Knights’ front office, it’s that they’re not afraid to make the tough decisions to improve their team.