The Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly interested in trading for defensemen Rasmus Andersson and Bowen Byram.
Andersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and the Calgary Flames are looking to offload him both to open space for younger defenseman like Zayne Parekh, but also to avoid losing Andersson for free in free agency.
The Flames have been engaged in discussions, and despite their efforts, nothing has formulated. Part of the reason is that Andersson has a modified six-team no-trade clause, but also because Andersson has been very picky about which teams he'd be open to signing an extension with. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Golden Knights are one of those teams.
LeBrun stated that the Golden Knights and the Flames have had numerous discussions over the past week, but the Flames haven't been impressed by the Golden Knights' offers. Unfortunately for the Flames, it sounds like it's just Vegas for him, despite interest from the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Los Angeles Kings.
Byram is in a different situation from the 28-year-old right-handed defenseman. Byram is a restricted free agent at the moment, who is destined to be moved from the Buffalo Sabres either via offer sheet or trade. The Golden Knights likely don't have the assets to make an offer sheet, but can put together a package for the 24-year-old smooth-skating left-handed defenseman.
Darren Dreger said things are "percolating" around Byram, with the Golden Knights, Kings, Flames and the St. Louis Blues looking to work out a deal.
Feeling is the sweet spot on this falls at the $7,020,113 mark on the scale. If deal comes in under that, the compensation would be a 1st- and 3rd-rounder. https://t.co/YlPbuRlTLV
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2025
Byram scored seven goals and 38 points in 82 games this season, playing his first complete 82-game season in his career. The former fourth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft has dealt with several injury issues throughout his young career.
Byram's fit with the Golden Knights isn't as clear as Andersson's. Andersson would be used as a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo, but Byram is very similar in play style to Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin.
Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
Confirmed: Golden Knights Complete Sign-and-Trade For Mitch MarnerAfter a long saga with several curveballs and rumors, the Vegas Golden Knights have finally got their man, completing a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which will see Mitch Marner sign with the Golden Knights on an eight-year, $12-million AAV deal, and Nicolas Roy join the Maple Leafs.