The Vegas Golden Knights made a major splash Sunday, acquiring defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames in a deal that sends Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 top-10 protected first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick (which can become a first if Vegas wins the Stanley Cup this season) to Calgary. The Flames are retaining 50% of Andersson’s salary.
Andersson, 29, is a pending unrestricted free agent and arrives without an extension — yet. He immediately upgrades the Knights’ top-four defensive corps, bringing offensive punch with 30 points this season (10 goals, 20 assists) while averaging a career-high 24:14 of ice time. He has reached 30 points in five straight seasons.
This marks the second time in three years the Knights have swung a deadline deal for a Flames defenseman, having acquired Noah Hanifin in March 2024. Andersson and Hanifin were a pairing in Calgary and are expected to reunite in Vegas.
Moving on from Whitecloud, 29, is a tough blow. The undrafted college free agent out of Bemidji State played 368 games for the Knights and was a key contributor to their 2023 Stanley Cup run. But Vegas believes Andersson can help them capture another championship.
The trade deadline is March 6, and the Knights are not expected to stop here. With the Pacific Division lead in hand, they are all-in once again.
