Flames Trade Rumors: 3 Teams Linked to Rasmus Andersson

The Calgary Flames are right in the mix for the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, currently tied with the Vancouver Canucks at 45 points. Will they be buyers or sellers as we approach the trade deadline in less than two months?

28-year-old top-pairing defenseman Rasmus Andersson is one of the biggest question marks for the Flames, as he has just one more year on his $4.55 million AAV. Do the Flames get out in front of it and trade him while his value is high, or work to extend him this summer on another long-term deal?

A recent poll of Flames fans found that 45% want to see the team cash in on Andersson on the trade market, while only 40% would rather see an extension.

If Calgary GM Craig Conroy chooses to go the trade route, he should get a nice return for the workhorse right-shot D-man. The Swedish blueliner is currently averaging a career-high 24:29 minutes on ice per night, and with 102 blocked shots through 40 games is on pace for a personal best in that department as well.

According to insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, three teams are known to have interest in Andersson:

Dallas Stars
Ottawa Senators
Tampa Bay Lightning

The Stars struck a deal with Calgary at last year's trade deadline for a solid defenseman, acquiring Chris Tanev. Could they do the same a year later with Andersson?

The Senators find themselves in a fight for a Wild Card spot, currently just one point back. Adding a right-shot D like Andersson would go a long way to strengthening their cause to try to snap a seven-year playoff drought. He does have a six-team no-trade list, however, so that could be an obstacle if the Flames try to deal him to a non-Cup contender.

The Bolts could use a stud on the right side of the blueline, as they fight to retain their relevance as a serious playoff contender.