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Elliotte Friedman reveals where the Maple Leafs stand with Rasmus Andersson


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Alexander Cole
January 18, 2026  (10:32)
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Jan 17, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) skates with the puck against the New York Islanders during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in a bit of a situation as they look at Rasmus Andersson, who is being pursued by half the league at this point.

Rasmus Andersson is currently one of the biggest stories in the entire NHL, as it has been reported that a trade of some sort is imminent.
The Maple Leafs have been interested for a long time, and there has been a sense that the team has been weighing all of its options.
However, in recent weeks, the Leafs have faded, especially as the Calgary Flames increase the price on their former general manager, Brad Treliving.

Elliotte Friedman on Rasmus Andersson

Last night, Elliotte Friedman gave an explanation of the Andersson sweepstakes and how the mood in Calgary has shifted.
For the most part, players in Calgary believe Andersson is officially moving on.
Emotional at the end of the game, like the way he came out of the ice, high-fived his team, he was third star, there was a lot there. And I think everybody's kind of wondering where this is going to go. The team that appears to be in the driver's seat, although nothing is done until it's done, is Boston.

Boston is very serious about its offer, and nobody's confirming or denying this, but I believe they are the only team that has been given permission to talk to Andersson, and I do believe they've done some pretty significant extension talks.
As for the Maple Leafs, their chances of acquiring Andersson are pretty well gone. Instead, the Boston Bruins and Las Vegas Golden Knights have the best chance right about now.
Vegas is there. It's not believed that their offer is as strong as Boston's, but that's for now. That can always change. But the thing that Vegas has are that they like Anderson, and he likes them.

I think Dallas has been around there. I think Toronto's been around there. And I'm always worried after what happened with Quinn Hughes going to Minnesota, that there's teams out there that I'm not seeing. But right now, from what I can tell, and I think this is true, Boston is the only team that has permission to talk to them.

Ultimately, Brad Treliving is in a situation, and he needs a right-handed puck-moving defenseman to really make his team complete.
Whether or not he is able to find himself one, is something that still very much remains to be seen right now.
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Elliotte Friedman reveals where the Maple Leafs stand with Rasmus Andersson

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