Andersson, Knights still on track for new deal? — The Fourth Period
When the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames mid-season, the belief was that the two sides had an understanding that a contract extension would eventually follow suit.
Andersson, 29, will see his current six-year, $27.3 million contract expire at the end of the month, which would make him an unrestricted free agent July 1.
However, speculation over a “handshake agreement” between team and player hasn’t subsided and Andersson reiterated his desire to stay in Vegas earlier this week.
“I’ve loved everything about Vegas, and I’ve really enjoyed being here,” he told reporters. “I would love to come back, and I would love to work with (Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon) and find a solution. Being back here would be awesome. We were this close to winning.”
The season was a whirlwind for Andersson, who got traded and played in the Winter Olympics, and after the passing of his agent Claude Lemieux and a long playoff run, Andersson acknowledged that he is looking forward to returning home to Sweden and that he may “just need some time off from hockey” to decompress and recalibrate.
It is unclear what type of long-term contract Andersson may secure with the Golden Knights, but that move is still expected and could get finalized by the end of the month.
If talks fall apart, though, Andersson will be among the top defenceman available in the open market.
In 81 games with the Flames and Knights this season, Andersson registered 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points.
