Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy has established a notable pattern that he would be wise to maintain.
In both of his initial two years as the Flames` GM, Conroy has executed trades during draft week, capitalizing on veteran players who were entering their final year before becoming unrestricted free agents.
Two years ago, it was Tyler Toffoli.
Last year, Andrew Mangiapane was moved.
This year, the focus should be on Rasmus Andersson.
Given that the draft is approaching rapidly, this transaction should ideally happen soon to secure one or two draft picks that could be utilized as early as Friday or Saturday night.
Andersson`s continuation with the Flames became uncertain last week. After preliminary discussions about a potential contract extension, it became apparent that the differences between the two sides were significant and likely insurmountable.
This outcome was both understandable and largely anticipated.
As the Flames` defenseman who logs the most ice time and is a key shot blocker, Andersson is justified in seeking a high-value contract. Several teams are expected to pursue his services next summer when the salary cap increases again and his considerable skills become available to all 32 teams.
He appears willing to bet on himself, suggesting the former 50-point player is more impactful than his 31 points and minus-38 rating last season might suggest.
The Flames are hesitant to offer a contract close to his expected price and maximum term, especially considering Andersson will be 29 next summer. The team is currently undergoing a retooling phase and is still several years away from being considered a legitimate contender.
Furthermore, the Flames possess two highly-regarded right-shot defense prospects, Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz, who are projected to be key components of the team`s right side defensive future, alongside MacKenzie Weegar.
Therefore, a parting of ways seems inevitable, much like when Andersson gave what felt like a farewell media address two months prior.
It is in everyone`s best interest to finalize a trade before Friday`s draft, which is notably deep in center prospects. This would improve the Flames` opportunity to add another promising center prospect to their development pipeline.
This perspective doesn`t advocate for a hasty decision solely based on last week`s contract discussions. Maximizing the return for a proven, relatively inexpensive, hard-shooting, right-shot defender is crucial.
Considering Andersson`s attributes as a six-foot-one, 202-pound defenseman, there is significant interest from teams looking for a top-pairing defender entering his prime, particularly one with a cap hit of only $4.55 million next season.
He recently captained Sweden at the world championships, which further adds to his appeal.
Andersson has a six-team no-trade list. He humorously mentioned that it undoubtedly includes division rivals Edmonton and Vancouver, stating, “I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks and that’s just the way I am.”
This spirited attitude enhances his desirability as a sought-after leader.
As a pure one-year rental, he is an attractive asset. However, for teams interested in securing him long-term via a sign-and-trade deal, the potential return could be even better.
Negotiating such a long-term deal could require some time.
But with teams having had two months to plan their off-season strategies, those interested should already be prepared to explore the possibilities of adding one of the league`s more passionate players.
Teams across the league in need of strengthening their right side defense have likely been aware for some time that Andersson might become available this summer.
It`s important to clarify that the current situation is not hostile, nor is GM Conroy under urgent pressure to make a trade before the next season`s trade deadline at the very latest.
If a suitable trade cannot be arranged this week or even this summer, Andersson is a professional who would continue to serve as one of the team`s emotional leaders next season, providing guidance for prospects like Parekh.
However, his presence as a pending UFA could create the kind of distraction Conroy has aimed to avoid, especially after the constant trade speculation surrounding former pending UFAs Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Nikita Zadorov dominated storylines two seasons ago.
There is also the risk of injury to a player who blocked 196 shots last year, more than all but three other players in the league. It`s worth remembering that Andersson played the final 12 games last season with a broken fibula sustained from blocking a shot.
Neville Woodall 
Duncan Priestley