NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2025
Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is still drawing interest from other clubs, a theory as to why Luke Hughes’ contract talks with the Devils remain stalled, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
R.ORG: James Murphy reports Rasmus Andersson hasn’t closed the door on a possible contract extension with the Calgary Flames. However, that hasn’t stopped some insiders from suggesting that the 28-year-old defenseman will likely be moved by the March trade deadline.
According to an NHL source, the Flames have been taking calls from teams looking into Andersson’s availability. They include the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)
The Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Boston Bruins were also interested in Andersson around the draft. Murphy’s source isn’t sure how much they’re still pushing, but thinks it makes sense if they were.
It had also been reported that the Vegas Golden Knights had a deal in place for Andersson before the draft, but it ultimately fell through. Murphy’s source doesn’t know if they may have circled back.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams may be calling about Andersson, but it’s obvious that the Flames haven’t received any tempting offers thus far. That could change once the calendar flips to January and the trade deadline approaches. Some of those teams mentioned by Murphy could be among the suitors by then.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the overlooked factor in Luke Hughes’ stalled contract talks with the Devils is the defenseman’s agent, Pat Brisson.
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby are two of Brisson’s clients. MacKinnon was once considered to have one of the best value contracts in the league, and his current one (with a $12.6 million annual cap hit) could make that list again as the salary cap rises. Meanwhile, Crosby’s contract is also a little light on his wallet, with a $2 million surplus value.
Jack Hughes, Luke’s brother and teammate, is another Brisson client. His contract is considered the No. 1 bargain deal in the league today ($8 million AAV).
Luke’s next contract could be an eight-year deal, but the AAV is the sticking point. His camp could seek a figure starting at $9 million or more to ensure he remains well-paid throughout the deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s $8.7 million AAV is based on his superstition over his No. 87. Nevertheless, Nichols does raise an interesting point.
The Hughes camp sees their client as a future No. 1 defenseman. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly, they want to ensure he’ll be compensated as one throughout the tenure of his next contract.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes recently reported that Washington Capitals goaltender Clay Stevenson’s impressive play during training camp and preseason action has drawn interest from several teams. He could become a potential waiver claim.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren are locks as the Capitals’ goalie tandem this season. Stevenson has to pass through waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate in Hershey. They could avoid that by carrying all three goalies, but that creates difficulty in finding suitable playing time for everyone.
Rasmus Andersson may still be drawing interest from other clubs, but his value has diminished since his less than stellar performance last season. The Flames are asking too much for a guy that needs to have a bounce back season. One may contend that if Andersson had played up to his past performance that the Flames would have made the playoffs!
Re “Flames are asking too much for…”
Our GM is King of “asking too much”
I dont know about you but I dont think my performance would be at a high level if I was skating on a fractured fibula. Just saying.
I disagree, Johnny Z. Anderson is pretty friggin’ good.
Not much in the way of help last year for him and he still had a good season.
I’m not sure what Conroy is asking for, but I’m sure it’s fair.
These guys are hard to get.
Keeping my eye on this because I’m wondering if Rasmus Ristolainen comes back healthy it will tell a lot what his value is
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/injured-flyers-defenseman-progressing-not-close-to-returning-yet
At his current AAV Andersson is a bargain right shot and age that can skate. Also likes to battle
Would Calgary go bigger and package Andersen with Kadri?
@ Sr — like Andersen & Kadri for a Robertson type of deal? lol You know there are a lot of ways that would make sense. Kadri & Rantenan have history & won a cup together, Andersen fits a big piece on the right side for the Stars as well. Robertson is an RFA so that gives Conroy a year to get him extended & if he doesnt want to stay in Calgary, Im sure Flames could get a pretty good return for him, heck I would be even tempted at flipping him to Anaheim for McTavish. But thats just me, I have embraced that Flames are no where close to being contenders this year so losing Andy & Kadri would hurt in the short term.
Oh, but for those pesky cap hits and Dallas has no real space!🫠
Jack Hughes might have a bargain contract in money terms, but he has basically one full season, the others are a combined below 60 games a season
You’re right on that Kent. Jack Hughes has missed significant time in 3 of the last 4 seasons. Contrast that with Nick Suzuki, a top line center making less than $8m. AAV who is not as strong offensively as Hughes but has been very durable. The most important ability is availability.
Both Hughes for mactavish and Gauthier.
McTavish has signed for 6 years at $7 mil per – identical to Granlund and Terry.
LOL, That doesn’t get you Jack Hughes, Let alone adding Luke Hughes as well.
So Mason McTavish re-signs with Anaheim for 6 years $42,000,000 $7,000,000 AAV.