Trade brewing between the Flames and Red Wings?!

The Calgary Flames might be inching closer to parting ways with defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and the Detroit Red Wings appear to be a natural landing spot. Jeff Marek hinted as much on The Sheet last week, saying, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up with the Detroit Red Wings to be honest with you,” noting the Red Wings’ need for one more top-4 defenseman.

Andersson has long been on the Flames’ trade radar, drawing interest from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Carolina Hurricanes, and other suitors. Flames GM Craig Conroy has made it clear: Andersson won’t leave for nothing as he approaches unrestricted free agency next summer, and it feels like a trade could be imminent with the trade deadline fast approaching.

Detroit, meanwhile, has plenty of assets that could appeal to Calgary in a potential deal. Among them is 2023 first-round pick Nate Danielson, who has played 28 NHL games this season. A right-handed center from Alberta, Danielson checks all the boxes for Conroy: size, skill, and local roots. Adding a prospect like Danielson would help the Flames replace Andersson’s value while bolstering their future.

On paper, the fit looks ideal. Andersson’s defensive reliability and puck-moving ability would strengthen the Red Wings’ young, surging team, while the Flames could walk away with a significant piece to continue their rebuild.

We might be getting closer to a possible Andersson trade that even Brian Costello suggested the Flames should make the blue liner a healthy scratch to protect their best trade chip from getting hurt and hindering a transaction.

"At this point, the Flames should be healthy scratching Rasmus Andersson. A trade is imminent and it's too much a risk to see him injured and have a great return go to zero. Andersson is such a gamer, he won't half-ass his efforts. Last night case in point."

While nothing has been finalized, the chatter is heating up. If Calgary and Detroit can agree on the right package, this could be a deal that shakes up both rosters and adds a new chapter to the Flames’ offseason maneuvering.