NHL Rumors: Insider shuts down contract hopes for Rasmus Andersson, shares brutally honest update

The future of Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is still uncertain as we approach the turn of the year. Andersson, who carries a cap hit of 4.55 million dollars, will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. He remains one of Calgary’s most valuable assets near the trade deadline.

What has raised Andersson's value even higher is his performance this season. He has produced 20 points in 30 games while leading the Flames in ice time and playing heavy special-teams minutes.

Still, his future in Calgary grew even murkier after NHL insider Darren Dreger's comments. He delivered a blunt assessment during a segment of Flames Nation, suggesting hopes of a contract extension are essentially dead.

"It's probably a poker game, but neither side wants to officially say that," Dreger said. "All right, the ship has sailed here in Calgary. There is zero chance of an extension. We're just waiting out for the best opportunity to move a valued asset across the league in Rasmus Anderson... It does to me, but nobody that matters has said that with any sort of official context.

According to Dreger, neither Rasmus Andersson’s camp nor the Flames wants to publicly announce that a breakup is inevitable, but all signs point in that direction. With major defensemen like Ryan McDonagh and Mike Matheson recently signing extensions and the likelihood of John Carlson signing with Washington, the pool of comparable players and potential suitors is shrinking quickly.

"So that just shrinks the pool for Rasmus Anderson in a big, big way," Dreger said. "So you know, the game of poker, as far as Conroy is concerned, will continue to get played until he kind of says, All right, we're not entirely sure when we're going to move him."

General manager Craig Conroy is expected to continue playing the waiting game, evaluating the market while fielding increased interest. Dreger emphasized that Calgary has not set a firm asking price and is not yet signaling that it is ready to accept final offers. With a holiday freeze on December 19, an Olympic trade freeze in February (4 to 22), and the March 6 deadline looming, the Flames have several checkpoints that could accelerate discussions.

No timeline is set for Rasmus Andersson's future

For a Calgary team sitting at 10-15-4 and struggling offensively, Rasmus Andersson’s stability has been crucial. Yet as Dreger notes, the organization seems increasingly prepared to move its top defenseman rather than extend him, despite the plans being limited to Conroy.

"I don't believe that that messaging is out there in the sense of, 'Okay, send us the best offer you have.'" Dreger said. "Sure, there's been lots of tire kicking... But I don't believe... that Craig Conroy has established, 'Okay, here's exactly what I need, and here's the timeline that I'm working on to get it done.'"

Until Conroy sets a timeline or price, the league waits, but the message is there that Rasmus Andersson’s long-term future likely lies outside Calgary.