Flames’ Rasmus Andersson eyes future in Calgary despite uncertainty

Rasmus Andersson wants to remain a Calgary Flame.

For the rest of this season, next season and hopefully beyond.

But it’s not that simple.

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He admitted as much Friday in a quiet one-on-one with Sportsnet.

“I love playing here and I’ve always loved playing here and that’s never going to change,” said the Flames defenceman.

“I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks and that’s just the way I am.

“Of course I would love to stay here, but I’ve heard from everyone else who has been in my situation that it’s a business.

“So we’ll see what happens.”

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Being a Flame is all he’s ever known, having played nine seasons of professional hockey with the organization that drafted him in the second round in 2015.

He’s the type of drafting success story his organization is hoping to build around.

Yet, despite having one more year on his contract after this season, he’s been included in trade speculation and has seen his name near the top of early deadline day trade boards.

In a billion-dollar business that’s all about asset management, Andersson would be a hot commodity on the open market, especially with a year-and-a-half left on his deal worth $4.55 million.

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“I’ve got no say in it – I have a six-team no trade list, so it’s out of my hands,” he said.

“July 1 is when I can re-sign, and we’re in January.

“It’s all in Connie (Craig Conroy) and Don’s (Don Maloney’s) hands what happens to me until my contract is up, unless we find a deal.

“It’s not like I’m sitting on a full no-move.”

As emotional a player as the Flames have in their locker room, the central question surrounding his future has always revolved around his happiness.

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Last year, after Noah Hanifin and Swedish pals like Elias Lindholm and Jacob Markstrom were shipped out, it seemed a longshot Andersson would want to stick around to be part of a team that did an awful lot of losing down the stretch.

However, he was empowered by the organization in the summer, when told they’d need him to play bigger minutes, run the power-play, and be their defensive leader more than ever.

He embraced the challenge and has thrived, playing the best hockey of his career, and earning a spot on Sweden’s vaunted blue line for the 4 Nation’s Faceoff.

His play has had a big say in his team’s ability to stay in a playoff race few thought possible.

“For sure I’m happy,” said Andersson, a character who has followed up the bulk of his six goals with his now trademarked death stare.

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“All you can ask for is to fight for a playoff spot. We’ve proven a lot of people wrong. I love being part of this group.

“My indication from up top is they’re happy, I’m happy, we’re all good.”

The assumption around these parts has been that the Flames would love to sign Andersson long-term, as early as Canada Day, when he’s eligible.

What a great message it would send if a big-name UFA opted to stay in Calgary for a change.

However, the 28-year-old would be in line for a massive payday, and would be looking for a lengthy deal that might take Calgary out of its comfort zone.

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After all, 31-year-old Weegar is signed long term and the organization has a boatload of talented young defencemen in their system.

In the end, money will talk.

“Andy’s been unbelievable and I think he’s enjoying it – he loves challenges,” said Conroy.

“You can just see the way he’s played this year, he’s bought in.

“Our relationship is really strong. But, I had strong relationships with Lindy, Hanifin and Big Z (Nikita Zadorov), and I understand, hey, it’s a business.

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“I have to do what’s best for the organization, and they have to do what they feel is best for themselves.”

Trading Andersson this season would maximize the return, but would gut a group that doesn’t deserve to be unduly dismantled to this point.

It’s highly unlikely they’d even consider trading Andersson before Mar. 7, unless the team went into a significant tailspin beforehand.

What’s needed soon is a frank talk between the two sides to figure out if Andersson would consider signing this summer, or at all.

Judging by his comments Friday, he’s at least open to the concept.

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“Ras and I talk about everything, but when the season starts, you really do want to let guys play,” said Conroy.

“I think Ras is the type of person that if he had a problem, he would come and talk to me.

“So, he’s been happy, he’s good. We’re excited about the Four Nations for him, well deserved.

“I think at some point the conversations will start.”