The last game of the Calgary Flames` regular season offered a look ahead at the team`s defense.
In that match, Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz played their first NHL games. Parekh, a promising ninth overall pick from 2024, scored and had a plus-3 rating in over 20 minutes. Brzustewicz, a 2023 third-round selection who had a solid AHL start this season, didn`t get a point but finished plus-2 in almost 20 minutes.
Adding to the symbolic nature of that final game against the Kings, Rasmus Andersson sat out for the only time in the 2024-25 season, creating an opportunity for the two young players.
Does this mark the start of new eras while another is coming to an end?
Discussions about Andersson staying in Calgary aren`t new. The Flames traded away three defensemen (Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin, and Nikita Zadorov) in the 2023-24 season, and it was thought even then that Andersson might be next.
With the experienced Swedish player having only one year left on his contract with a $4.55 million cap hit for 2025-26, the question of whether Andersson`s tenure in Calgary is concluding arises again.
Although Andersson`s performance stats over the last two seasons (a combined minus-49 on non-playoff Flames teams) aren`t ideal, he is a player who would draw significant interest from teams if he becomes available for trade at age 28.
Andersson is a right-handed defenseman useful in all situations (a valuable trait). He could pair well with a top left-handed defender or lead a second pairing from the right side. He has recorded seasons with 50 and 49 points, showing his ability to contribute offensively while still defending effectively in his own end.
According to PuckPedia, Andersson has a list of six teams he cannot be traded to, giving him some influence over any potential summer move. He also has leverage from being one year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent, suggesting Calgary should ideally collaborate with him to find a team he might want to sign with long-term.
Regardless of the specifics of a potential Andersson trade, teams would be interested. Here are some clubs likely to be among the first to make inquiries.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres urgently need a right-handed defenseman to play alongside their top left-handed players, Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. Furthermore, Buffalo has its own defenseman, 23-year-old Bowen Byram, who was involved in trade rumors during the season that have continued into the summer.
Byram, who is from B.C. and played AAA hockey in Alberta, appears to be an ideal match for the Flames. Calgary is currently rebuilding with players close to being NHL-ready or just entering their peak years. Also, since Parekh and Brzustewicz are both right-handed, there is a greater need for a left-handed, puck-moving player like Byram on the left side in Southern Alberta.
Even a limited no-trade clause could be a concern for Buffalo, but the Sabres, aiming for immediate improvement, could present a compelling case to Andersson regarding potential linemates and his role on the team long-term.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are likely frustrated after their five-game loss to Florida in the Eastern Conference Final. Carolina has reached the final four twice in the last three years but has struggled against the Panthers with a 1-8 record in those series.
While the Hurricanes` primary focus will again be on adding more offense, a defenseman who can move the puck like Andersson could definitely boost their attack.
Duncan Priestley 
Neville Woodall