Source: Islanders To Face Possible Trade Target Rasmus Andersson
The Islanders aren't believed to be front-runners for the 29-year-old pending UFA defenseman but I'm told they are part of the conversation
As I head to the airport for my flight to Calgary, I’m told the New York Islanders have shown interest in Flames pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
They are not believed to be front-runners — sounds like the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Ottawa Senators are favorites — but, according to two industry sources, they are very much involved as trade speculation surrounding the 29-year-old right-shot defenseman heats up.
Free Friday!
While his $4.55 million cap hit is incredibly manageable, the Islanders could free up as much as $16.75 million if they place their injured players — outside of Bo Horvat — on Long-Term Injured Reserve.
The ask, however, is incredibly high. Calgary is likely seeking a first-round pick — the Islanders own their own and the Colorado Avalanche’s — a top prospect — something the Islanders can afford given one of the league’s strongest prospect pools — and potentially another piece, whether that’s a pick, an NHL player, or another prospect.
It would be a haul, but you have to give to get.
If the Islanders are able to land the talented blueliner — again, they’re not believed to be front-runners, but they weren’t considered front-runners when they acquired Horvat — they would almost certainly want an extension in place.
Andersson is expected to command somewhere between $7 and $8 million annually, which is still fairly reasonable.
He’s averaging 24:12 per game while providing an offensive element, with 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games.
Andersson could be a perfect fit alongside No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, which would allow Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock to reunite as a pairing. Pending UFA Tony DeAngelo, who has played much better alongside Pulock, could slide down to the third pair with Scott Mayfield, with either player capable of playing their offside.
Andersson would bolster the Islanders’ defensive depth for the remainder of the season while also serving as DeAngelo’s long-term replacement going forward.
The Islanders battle the Flames at 3 PM ET on Saturday.
