Should the Maple Leafs go all in on Rasmus Andersson?

"The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again being linked to Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson. Toronto has shown interest in Andersson before, including an attempt to acquire him at last year's trade deadline, but no deal materialized. This time around, the fit still makes sense, especially given Brad Treliving's history with the player. Treliving drafted Andersson in 2015 and knows his game well."

"Andersson is in the final year of his contract and is having one of the best seasons of his career. The 29-year-old has 22 points in 33 games while averaging a team-high 24 minutes per night for Calgary. He is on pace to surpass his career high of 50 points set during the 2021-22 season. More importantly for Toronto, Andersson is a right-shot, puck-moving defenceman, something the Leafs have lacked for years. His ability to move the puck, quarterback a power play, and handle tough minutes would immediately improve Toronto's backend."

"Toronto's need has grown due to injuries on the right side. Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo have both been sidelined, leaving the Leafs thin on the blue line. If Toronto wants to stay in the playoff race, it'll need reinforcements. Andersson would help stabilize the defence and could also give a boost to a power play that has struggled at times this season."

Toronto is linked to Calgary defenceman Rasmus Andersson after previous trade interest. Brad Treliving drafted Andersson in 2015 and has familiarity with his game. Andersson, in the final year of his contract, has 22 points in 33 games while averaging a team-high 24 minutes per night for Calgary. His right-shot, puck-moving skill set would address a longtime Leafs need, stabilize the backend, and improve the power play. Injuries to Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo have created urgency for reinforcements. Calgary's low standing makes Andersson an appealing trade asset, but any deal requires weighing long-term commitment risk while Toronto sits outside the playoff picture.

Read at Editor In Leaf