As part of his column on bold predictions for all 32 NHL teams, Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon has speculated that the Dallas Stars could explore a major trade to bolster their blue line for a Stanley Cup run. Dixon suggests that the Stars might consider moving top forward prospect Mavrik Bourque to the Calgary Flames in exchange for proven defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Andersson’s name has been in trade rumors and will likely remain there for most of the 2024-25 season. But, if the Flames elect to trade the defenseman this season, they’ll be looking for a big return. Andersson is a useful player on a team-friendly contract ($4.55M) and there will be bidders for his services if he becomes available.
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Bourque, a former first-round pick, has appeared in just one NHL game but has a ton of upside. He’s being looked at for both special teams units in Dallas, but given the Stars’ depth at forward, the 21-year-old could become a valuable trade chip if the Stars go all in and try to buy near the deadline.
Bourque left a preseason game early and is dealing with a bit of an injury. It’s not clear how serious the issue is.
Would Andersson Welcome a Trade to the Stars?
Andersson, 27, has been a key player for the Flames and carries a reasonable $4.55 million cap hit through the 2025-26 season. A reliable top-four defenseman who can contribute in all situations, he would immediately strengthen the Stars’ defense corps.
That said, the Stars wouldn’t be the only team interested if the Flames make Andersson available.
Andersson has a six-team no-trade list, meaning he’s got some say about where he winds up. With another season on his deal after this one, he’s not a rental. So, wherever he lands, he’ll want to be comfortable playing the rest of this season and next season there. It could be worse than to join a contending team like Dallas.
If the Flames decide to continue selling off assets, acquiring a prospect like Bourque could be part of a larger roster retool. However, trading a crucial defensive piece means the team needs to be extra careful about who and what they get back in return.
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