Andersson trade chatter heats up — The Fourth Period

Trade talks surrounding Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson have picked up this week, so much so that online speculation Friday evening suggested a trade was imminent.

While Flames GM Craig Conroy has been actively engaged in trade talks with multiple teams involving Andersson, a move was not yet close as of Saturday morning.

Talks, though, are indeed ongoing.

Earlier in the week, TFP reported the Flames were involved in active trade talks. The Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and two other clubs are believed to be in the hunt for Andersson’s services. The Detroit Red Wings were one of the teams that expressed interest in the past, but they are not considered a final contender, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams that have tried to acquire Andersson in the past, as well.

TFP’s David Pagnotta confirmed on “The Hot Stove” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio earlier Saturday morning that trade negotiations continue, though it is unclear if a contract extension will be part of the equation once Andersson is moved.

Andersson, 29, is in the final year of a six-year, $27.3 million contract and owns a $4.55 million salary cap hit. He also has a six-team no-trade list as part of his deal, and currently ranks atop TFP’s Trade Watch List.

Conroy has also entertained calls for some of his other players, including veteran forwards Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri, though those discussions are not believed to be as advanced as the Andersson talks.

The Flames host the New York Islanders today at 3pm ET and Andersson is scheduled to play. If he is scratched, it may indicate a trade is near.

In 47 games with the Flames so far this season, Andersson has tallied 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points.