Massive trade buzz as Rasmus Andersson inches closer to the Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars have already made one big shift, and it could be setting up something even bigger.

By trading Matt Dumba and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for rookie defenceman Vladislav Kolyachonok, the Stars not only reshaped their blue line but freed up nearly $2 million in salary cap space.

The deal itself isn't the blockbuster, but it feels like the first domino. With Dumba gone, Dallas now has the flexibility to target a top defenceman, possibly Calgary Flames blueliner Rasmus Andersson.

Dallas has all the pieces to be dangerous.

Jake Oettinger anchors them in goal, while Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, and Mikko Rantanen headline one of the NHL's deepest forward groups.

But the defence remains a question.

Miro Heiskanen is elite but has struggled to stay healthy, Esa Lindell is steady, and Thomas Harley is developing into a reliable piece. Beyond that, the bottom three spots, featuring Ilya Lyubushkin, Alex Petrovic, and young options like Nils Lundkvist, Lian Bischel, and Kolyachonok, look thin for a Cup contender.

I think adding Andersson would instantly make this team feel like a true Stanley Cup threat.

The price won't be cheap. The Flames are expected to seek a first-round pick, a top prospect like Mavrik Bourque or Bischel, and additional picks.

Calgary could also retain salary, which would make the deal easier for Dallas.

For Calgary, the return would help fuel their rebuild. For Dallas, I truly believe that Andersson would become their top right-handed defenceman overnight.