Flames’ Rasmus Andersson: ‘I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks and that’s the way I am’

A valuable trade chip ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline, Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson may have preferred destinations in mind should he be on the move, although his wish list is unlikely to include some of the Flames’ top rivals within the Pacific Division.

“I love playing (in Calgary) and I have always loved playing here and that’s never going to change,” Andersson told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis. “I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks, and that’s just the way I am.

“Of course I would love to stay here, but I have heard from everyone else who has been in my situation that it’s a business … So we’ll see what happens.”

Signed through the 2025-26 campaign to a pact that pays a $4.55-million annual average value, per PuckPedia, Andersson only has some say in his future, as his limited no-trade clause grants him the ability to prevent a move to just six teams.

Through 40 appearances with the Flames this season, Andersson sits second among all Calgary blue-liners with 18 points counting six goals and 12 assists. That type of production and the fact that Andersson is a valuable right-handed rearguard could make him an intriguing piece to move ahead of the deadline.

“It’s all in general manager (Craig Conroy) and president of hockey operations (Don Maloney) hands what happens to me until my contract is up, unless we find a (new) deal,” Andersson added. “It’s not like I am sitting on a full no-move (clause).”

Chosen 53rd overall by the Flames in the 2015 NHL Draft, Andersson has spent his entire career in Calgary, one that has totaled 495 games in which he has collected 42 goals and 176 assists for 218 points.

Whether the Flames will be sellers at the deadline will be determined in the coming weeks. Entering Friday action, the team remains in the thick of the playoff race, standing one point shy of the Canucks for the second wildcard position in the Western Conference.