Report: Flames "Confused" By Rasmus Andersson Trade Offers

Rasmus Andersson is getting plenty of interest from rival teams looking for a top defenseman as we get closer to the trade deadline. But with one year remaining after this one on Andersson's contract, the Calgary Flames have made it clear, pure and simple, what their plans for their top blueliner are, per insider Pierre LeBrun on TSN's Insider Trading:

The Flames have no interest in trading him. Point blank. And they're a little confused why they're getting calls from other teams checking in on his availability. And what GM Craig Conroy has told other teams is 'We are not interested in trading Rasmus Andersson'. He's not a player on an expiring deal... And in fact, the Flames hope to extend Rasmus Andersson this summer.

The right-shot D-man is in the 5th season of a six-year, $4.55 million AAV contract, and he'll be eligible for that extension July 1st.

The veteran Swede has been a rock for the team since joining them full-time seven years ago, and has averaged 21:28 of ice time in his 497 games with the Flames.

In fact, the feeling is mutual it seems, as not only do the Flames want to keep him, the 28-year-old has already made it clear how much he loves Calgary. He even named their two biggest rivals as teams he outright "hates."

Andersson is playing a career-high 24:21 per night this season, and has 18 points and 105 blocked shots in 42 games.

One thing that others around the league will need to understand: Calgary is not in rebuild mode right now, as they find themselves in the playoff hunt, currently holding down the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference going into Wednesday's play.

"The Flames–they don't want to tear it down," added LeBrun. "They want to keep some key veterans around as they continue to transition their roster."

Andersson certainly appears to be one of them.