Flames' Backlund: 'It's obvious' Andersson will be traded

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund believes it's only a matter of time before longtime teammate Rasmus Andersson is dealt.

"Yeah, he's getting traded. It's obvious," Backlund told The Athletic's Michael Russo. "But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. So, just go out and play. I talked to him, too, and he doesn't want to be a distraction. So it's all good. It's too bad it's come to this. I don't think that they're close to getting an agreement or anything, but you never know. Things could change. We'll see."

Andersson is set to enter the final season of his contract at a bargain cap hit of $4.5 million. He's been involved in trade rumors for multiple seasons now, and talks are likely to heat up again in 2025-26, as Andersson is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.

The Flames reportedly had no interest in moving Andersson before the trade deadline in March, and the blue-liner expressed his desire to stay in Calgary multiple times last season.

Calgary can afford an extension for Andersson, but he's also the club's most valuable trade asset. The soon-to-be 29-year-old is a top-pairing, right-shot defender and plays in all situations. Andersson notched 31 points and 196 blocks last season while averaging nearly 24 minutes per contest.

The Flames selected Andersson in the second round of the 2015 draft. He debuted during the 2016-17 season and has suited up in 536 games for the franchise.

Calgary improved to 96 points last season after earning 81 the previous year but missed the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference by a tiebreaker with the St. Louis Blues.