Rasmus Andersson's future with the Calgary Flames remains a point of interest in the NHL rumor mill.
The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility and will likely seek a significant raise over his current average annual value of $4.55 million.
Following the end of the Flames' regular season, GM Craig Conroy indicated his willingness to meet with the Andersson camp to discuss a contract extension. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reports the two sides are expected to make their initial proposals this week.
Andersson was recently mentioned as a possible trade target for the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators. The Sabres are in the market for an experienced right-shot defenseman to pair with Owen Power, while the Senators seek a replacement for the sidelined Nick Jensen. However, the Senators are reportedly on his six-team no-trade list.
On June 9, Seravalli speculated over the likelihood of Andersson getting moved before the upcoming NHL draft. He thinks the Flames realize the blueliner will be “too expensive and too long-term for their liking,” but suggested it might be to their advantage to wait until the trade deadline, when his value could be higher.
Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported the Flames and Vancouver Canucks are among the teams interested in Marco Rossi. Seravalli thinks Rossi of the Minnesota Wild could be a good fit among Calgary's core of young players.
LeBrun believes the Canucks are more intrigued than the Flames, who'd prefer a center with size. Conroy has also mentioned that he wants a right-shot center, whereas Rossi is left-handed.
The Flames and Canucks aren't the only clubs in the market for a center this summer.
Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports that depth at center is a priority for the St. Louis Blues in this off-season. He cited GM Doug Armstrong's comments during his club's end-of-season media availability, indicating they would be seeking a “200-foot offensive player,” someone who can put up points and play a responsible defensive game.
Rutherford doesn't see Armstrong getting into the bidding for a two-way winger like Mitch Marner or a center like Sam Bennett. However, The Hockey News’ Lou Korac believes Bennett would be a good fit with the Blues, provided they don't overpay for his services.
Korac suggested a seven-year, $49-million contract for Bennett ($7 million average annual value) if the 28-year-old Florida Panthers center becomes available on July 1. If he does hit the open market, however, Bennett will likely command much more than that.
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