TORONTO — Rasmus Andersson made his long-awaited debut for the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, recording an assist and two shots in 21:33 of ice time during a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The defenseman, acquired from Calgary on Sunday, skated alongside Noah Hanifin and showed immediate chemistry. “I felt great, honestly,” Andersson said. “Obviously some new stuff to get used to, but it felt great. It feels good to be here.”
Andersson’s arrival was delayed by immigration issues that prevented the Sweden native from joining the team in the United States. He caught up with the Knights in Boston but arrived too late for Thursday’s game against the Bruins. After resolving his visa status, he flew to Las Vegas to settle his wife Tessa and their two children before meeting the team in Toronto.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Andersson said. “I think the shock from getting traded and all that kind of stuff, it feels like it hits you a few days later. Super excited to be here.”
Coach Bruce Cassidy praised Andersson’s poise and decision-making. “Good puck mover. On his toes. Kind of assertive with his decision-making,” Cassidy said. He noted that in the third period, Andersson made “money” plays reminiscent of Alex Pietrangelo — blocking shots, making the right play, and extinguishing defensive fires. “I like that. He probably should only get better with us.”
Andersson had 30 points in 48 games with Calgary this season, averaging a career-high 24:14 of ice time. The 29-year-old has 261 points in 584 career games. While his role will be scaled back from the top-unit power play and penalty kill duties he handled with the Flames, he brings a versatile two-way presence.
“You look at this lineup, this is a real contender and that’s what I wanted to go to,” Andersson said. “I’ve had a great time in Calgary. I loved every second of it. But at the same time, it was time for them and it was time for me to try something different. I couldn’t be happier to be here.”
The Knights reassigned defenseman Jaycob Megna to Henderson to make room on the roster.
