Calgary Flames defenceman Andersson denies 'fake information' Vegas rumour
Rasmus Andersson was quick to refute some offseason speculation when speaking with reporters at the Calgary Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic at Country Hills Golf Club on Tuesday morning.
Set to enter the final season of his six-year contract, Andersson has been involved in trade speculation all summer long. While the trade speculation itself is part of the business, the 28-year-old was frustrated about a rumour suggesting he was making life difficult on the Flames by only being open to signing a new contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.
“The thing that bothers you is fake information that comes out,” Andersson said. “I saw some reports that I would only sign with one team, and this and that. It’s the furthest from the truth. Me and [GM Craig Conroy] have had a few conversations over the summer. I would never handcuff him and give him one team.”
Not only did Andersson shut down that report, but he also maintained that he’s still open to re-signing with the Flames should the opportunity present itself.
“Yeah, for sure,” Andersson said about being open to signing an extension. “I’ve grown up in this city. I said it at the press conference at the end of last year that I’ve loved every second of it. That will never change.
“Now it’s the business side of it. Is it smart of me to re-sign after last season? I don’t know. I read all season how much I suck. It is what it is. I’ve just got to come out of the gates hot, worry about myself, and get the team in the best position possible.”
Though there are questions as to whether the 28-year-old fits into the organization’s long-term plans, Conroy also made note of the fact that re-signing Andersson is still an option the Flames are considering.
“We’re not going to close the door on anything,” Conroy said. “We need Rasmus to come in and be the player we think he is. He looks like he’s in great shape, he’s ready to go, motivated. He’s a competitive guy that wants to win night in and night out.
“He wants to win here in Calgary.”
This entire situation is nothing new for the Flames, who have had several key players over the past few years entering the final season of their respective contracts. For Andersson, there’s zero concern over his contract being a distraction for himself or his teammates.
“It’s all part of it. I think the distraction is from the outside, not from the inside. I’ve been here for two weeks now, and it’s been good so far.”
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