The Vegas Golden Knights have themselves yet another superstar.
Late Sunday afternoon, the Vegas Golden Knights announced their acquisition of Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson via trade. In exchange, Vegas is sending defenceman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiede, a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, and a conditional second-round selection in the 2028 draft.
The move reunites Rasmus Andersson with former Calgary Flame Noah Hanifin, who was dealt to Vegas in 2024. It also puts Andersson in a strong position to go on a deep playoff run; the Golden Knights are currently first in the Pacific Division with a four-point lead on the Edmonton Oilers and a nine-point advantage to the Seattle Kraken in third.
The trade also allows for Vegas to have some additional depth on defence, a fact that becomes especially important when considering that Brayden McNabb could potentially be on the way back to the lineup in the near future.
On the other hand, the move gives Calgary some depth at defence. Not only is Zach Whitecloud a capable blue-liner and a defender who can put up points, but he's got postseason experience that will be valuable for the Flames in the long-run. In addition, Calgary receives a young defenceman in the form of Abram Wiebe, who has spent his time in the NCAA as part of the University of North Dakota Bisons varsity hockey program. Previously a 20+ point producer in the 2024-25 campaign, Wiebe's scoring has seen a noticeable drop so far this year; through 24 games played this season, he's scored just fourteen points.
With regard to the draft selections, there is now a considerable chance that Calgary controls Vegas' first round picks for the next three seasons. Alongside the team's guaranteed first-rounder in 2026, which was acquired in the Noah Hanifin trade, and the 2027 pick, the conditional second-round pick in 2028 will become a first-round pick if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this year.
There were talks of a potential extension coming with the trade. The Boston Bruins, who were rumoured to be another preferred destination for the former Flames defender, and Rasmus Andersson had discussed an extension but to no avail. However, Andersson will join the Golden Knights as an impending free agent, meaning that Vegas and the Swedish defender will need to attempt to negotiate a new deal prior to the end of June.
The Golden Knights' first game following the trade will take place Monday evening when they play host to the Philadelphia Flyers.