The Toronto Maple Leafs, regarded as one of the favorites for the Stanley Cup this season, are expected to bolster their roster as the season progresses. One trade idea circulating involves the acquisition of star defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. This proposal emerged from PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows users to craft their own trade scenarios. In this case, a user suggested a deal that would see the Maple Leafs bring in Andersson, potentially strengthening their blue line for a deeper playoff push.
Maple Leafs acquire:
Rasmus Andersson
Flames acquire:
Topi Niemela.
Roni Hirvonen, a 2026 first-round pick.
The proposed trade could be beneficial for both the Maple Leafs and the Flames, as Toronto would bolster its blue line while Calgary acquires valuable assets to aid in its rebuild. The deal would involve the Maple Leafs acquiring Rasmus Andersson, who is in the fifth year of a six-year, $27.3 million contract. He would slot in as a second-pair right-shot defenseman, complementing a right side that would include Chris Tanev, Andersson, and Jake McCabe—forming one of the strongest right-sided defenses in the NHL.
Last season, Andersson played 78 games, tallying 9 goals and 30 assists for 39 points, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while also logging significant minutes.
In exchange, Toronto would send Calgary a first-round pick along with two prospects. The key prospect, Topi Niemelä, is a 22-year-old defenseman drafted 64th overall in 2020, who registered 8 goals and 31 assists for 38 points in 68 AHL games last season. He could potentially replace Andersson on the Flames’ blue line in the future. The other prospect, 22-year-old centerman Roni Hirvonen, was drafted 59th overall in 2020. Likely to develop into a middle-six NHL forward, he recorded 7 goals and 6 assists in 37 AHL games last season, though he may benefit from another year of development in the minors.
Maple Leafs Coach Pleased With Team’s Defense
This offseason, Toronto hired Craig Berube as the team’s new head coach. During training camp, Berube emphasized the importance of being a tough team to play against, and he has expressed satisfaction with his team’s defensive performance.
In a pre-game broadcast on Sportsnet on October 12, Berube noted, “Our work ethic, our defense, and our checking for the first two games have been really good. We just have to stick with that; the goals will come. We created opportunities to score, but we hit a bunch of posts and had some execution issues that will improve.”
Following Toronto’s victory on October 12, Berube highlighted his desire for the team to control the puck, maintain sound defensive play, and avoid high-scoring games. “We don’t want to get into that back-and-forth type of game; we want to have a territorial game,” he said. “We need to ensure we’re better with our coverage and more physical around our net.”
As of October 13, Toronto has started the season with a 2-1 record.
Flames GM Wants to Keep Andersson in Calgary
With Rasmus Andersson having two years remaining on his contract, he is expected to be a popular name in trade rumors as the deadline approaches. However, Flames general manager Craig Conroy is optimistic about signing the star defenseman to an extension.
“For me, he’s a Flame. He can be a Flame for a long, long time,” Conroy told *The Athletic*. “At some point, we’re going to have those conversations, but he has two years left on his deal. I know he’s super competitive and wants to win, and he understands he’s a significant part of this team. In fact, he knows he is.”
Conroy emphasized Andersson’s importance to the team, noting, “As the season progresses, you’ll see all the ice time he gets and the key situations he’s in. For us to succeed, he needs to return to the level he was at a few years ago. Last year was unusual; he had a good season, but we need him to improve even further.”
Andersson will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2025.
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