Blue Jackets Emerging as Top Contender for Flames Defenseman
The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly intensifying their efforts to strengthen their roster and have emerged as strong contenders to acquire Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Columbus set an ambitious tone for their offseason at the 2025 NHL Draft, making a notable move before the first round even began. They secured veteran forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood in a trade with the salary-cap-strapped Colorado Avalanche, sending a promising prospect, Gavin Brindley, along with a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2027 second-round pick in return. This trade is seen as a solid win for the Jackets, who are eyeing a playoff return by 2026.
Now, Columbus is reportedly pushing hard to upgrade their defense, and Andersson is becoming a top target. The Flames have been open to moving the right-handed, top-four defender for the past two offseasons, and Andersson’s availability has caught the attention of multiple teams. According to a recent report by Jimmy Murphy for RG, the Blue Jackets are particularly focused on Andersson after missing out on another target, Noah Dobson.
“They lost out on [Noah] Dobson, but they still want a top-four right-shot defenseman and are still in on Rasmus Andersson,” Murphy wrote.
With Dobson landing in Montreal, Andersson now stands as the top right-side defenseman available on the trade market. He’s coming off an impressive 11-goal, 31-point season, marking his fourth straight year with over 30 points. He also logged nearly 24 minutes of ice time per game, leading the Flames’ defense corps.
Columbus has a pressing need on their blue line, especially with the ongoing negotiations with Dante Fabbro still unresolved. Heading into free agency, the Blue Jackets could be left with only Damon Severson and Erik Gudbranson as their right-shot defensemen, and they’re in need of a top-pairing partner to play alongside Norris Trophy finalist Zach Werenski.
Andersson would fit that role perfectly, but acquiring him won’t come cheap. The Flames highly value Andersson, and any trade will require a substantial package. However, with Columbus looking to take the next step in the 2025-2026 season, the cost of adding a player like Andersson could be a worthwhile investment to help them reach their goal.
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