Bruins in mix for Flames' Rasmus Andersson as trade rumors swirl (Report) originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins have interest in acquiring Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, per multiple reports, but they aren’t the only team pursuing him.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported an update on the situation during Saturday night’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. He noted that the Bruins have been given permission to talk to Andersson about a potential contract extension.
“The Flames have called around to a bunch of teams that were interested, or other teams that maybe they hadn’t heard as much from yet, I heard today, and they said we want to decide if we’re going to proceed with this so we want everybody’s most serious offer. That is happening,” Friedman said.
“The team that appears to be in the driver’s seat, although nothing is done until it’s done, is Boston. Boston is very serious about its offer, and no one is confirming or denying this, but I believe they are the only team that has been given permission to talk to Andersson, and I do believe they’ve done some pretty significant extension talks. Nothing is done until it’s done. Both things have to work out. The Bruins are not believed to be interested in this without an extension.
“Vegas is there. It’s not believed their offer is as strong as Boston’s, but that’s for now, that can always change.”
Trading for Andersson would make no sense for the Bruins if he was a rental. The B’s are not in a position to be dealing assets for players who could walk in the summer. Andersson is in the final year of his contract and would become an unrestricted free agent in July without an extension.
The 29-year-old veteran would be a good fit for the Bruins, at least on paper. They need a top-four d-man who can play the right side, log a ton of minutes and add some offensive punch. He fits that description.
Andersson has tallied 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 48 games for the Flames this season. He has scored nine or more goals in four consecutive seasons. He’s on pace to break the 40-point mark for the third time in his career.
The Bruins have won six straight games after beating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 on the road Saturday night. They entered Sunday in the first wild card spot with a 28-19-2 record.