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Golden Knights Acquire Rasmus Andersson from Flames
LAS VEGAS — The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in 2027, and a conditional second-round pick in 2028. The trade was completed on January 19, 2026, as the Golden knights aim to bolster their defensive lineup for another playoff run.
golden knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon anticipated andersson, a highly sought-after player, would likely be traded before the Olympic break and acted decisively to secure his services. McCrimmon has a history of making impactful mid-season acquisitions since the team’s inception in 2017.
“I think in Rasmus,we get a high-end defenseman,” McCrimmon said according to ESPN. “He drives possession, he can make plays, he’s good in transition, he’s aggressive in the offensive zone – we think he’s really going to add to our hockey club.”
Trade Details and Contract Considerations
The Flames will retain 50% of the remaining salary of Andersson, who is in the final year of a six-year, $27.3 million contract.Calgary general manager Craig Conroy stated that the lack of a potential contract extension with Andersson influenced the trade negotiations. ESPN reported that Andersson was not expected to sign an extension with either team.
McCrimmon had been interested in Andersson as the offseason. The timing of the trade was accelerated by Andersson’s participation in the upcoming Olympics, as Calgary didn’t want to risk a potential injury to a valuable trade asset during the tournament.
“He plays a hard game,” McCrim