The NHL trade market for defensemen has officially exploded. With Quinn Hughes landing in Minnesota earlier this week, the market has been set, and desperate teams are scrambling for the remaining top-tier options.
According to a report today from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Toronto Maple Leafs have “circled back” on Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
This isn’t a new connection—Leafs GM Brad Treliving drafted Andersson during his tenure in Calgary—but the urgency has shifted. With the Leafs struggling to find consistency in a post-Mitch Marner world and Troy Stecher being forced to play 20+ minutes a night due to injuries, Toronto is officially in the danger zone.
Here is a breakdown of what it will cost to bring the 29-year-old RHD to Toronto.
The “Treliving Tax”: Why Andersson?
Andersson is the perfect stylistic fit for what this Leafs blue line lacks. He is a right-shot defenseman who plays with an edge, can quarterback a power play, and eats massive minutes.
- 2025-26 Stats: 7 Goals, 15 Assists (22 Points) in 33 Games.
- Contract: Pending UFA ($4.55M AAV).
- The Fit: He slides immediately into the top pair alongside Morgan Rielly or Jake McCabe, pushing everyone else down to their proper slot.
The Asking Price: What Does Calgary Want?
The Flames are currently sitting 6th in the Pacific (13-16-4) and are likely looking to retool rather than fully rebuild. However, with Andersson set to walk as a free agent on July 1, GM Craig Conroy has to maximize this asset.
The Base Price:
- A 2028 1st Round Pick: With the defensive market thinning out, this is non-negotiable.
- A Young Roster Player or “A-” Prospect: Calgary wants players who can help them turn it around quickly, not projects who are 4 years away.
- Cap Money: The Leafs need to send money out to fit Andersson’s $4.55M hit.
Proposed Trade Packages
Scenario 1: The “Shake Up” Deal (Maccelli on the Move)
Reports surfaced yesterday that the Leafs are shopping Matias Maccelli, who they acquired from Utah in the offseason but hasn’t clicked with Craig Berube’s system.
- To Toronto: Rasmus Andersson (D)
- To Calgary: Matias Maccelli (F), 2028 1st Round Pick, 2026 3rd Round Pick.
Why it works: Calgary takes a flyer on Maccelli (25 years old) rediscovering his playmaking touch in a new market. Toronto clears a forward jam and upgrades their defense significantly without losing their top prospect.
Scenario 2: The “Future” Deal (Danford Departs)
If Calgary isn’t interested in a reclamation project like Maccelli, they will ask for Toronto’s best defensive prospect.
- To Toronto: Rasmus Andersson (50% Salary Retained)
- To Calgary: Ben Danford (D – 2024 1st Rounder), 2028 1st Round Pick, Calle Jarnkrok (Cap Dump).
Why it works: This hurts more for Toronto. Losing Danford—who looks like a Treliving-style clone—is a steep price for a rental. However, if Treliving believes this team can make a run this year, he pulls the trigger.
The Verdict
The Leafs are under immense pressure. The Atlantic Division is unforgiving, and the loss of Anthony Stolarz to injury has exposed their defensive flaws even more.
Expect Treliving to push hard for this. He knows the player, he knows the agent (Claude Lemieux), and he knows his job might depend on winning a playoff round this spring.
What do you think? Would you trade a 1st and Ben Danford for Rasmus Andersson? Let us know in the comments!
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The post Pierre LeBrun: Maple Leafs “Circling Back” on Rasmus Andersson Trade (Analysis + Proposed Package) appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
