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New report suggests why Rasmus Andersson didn't end up with the Maple Leafs


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Alexander Cole
January 19, 2026  (8:40)
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Dec 20, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) and Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) battle for the puck during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Rasmus Andersson was traded to the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night, and the Toronto Maple Leafs were one of many teams left in the dust.

Sunday night was a huge one for the NHL as it was revealed that Rasmus Andersson was being traded from the Calgary Flames to the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
The Knights continue to get better, and it feels as though this team is going to be a real Stanley Cup contender over the coming months.
Whether or not they can pull it off is something that still very much remains to be seen. However, there is no denying that they are taking the Florida Panthers approach.
On that note, Andersson is not signing an extension in Las Vegas, and it appears as though this led to some real consequences on the market.

Rasmus Andersson goes to Las Vegas

According to reports, five teams were in on Andersson. However, only one team was interested after it was revealed that Andersson wouldn't sign an extension.
Conroy said five teams were involved in trying to obtain Andersson, but when his agent informed the Flames this morning he wouldn't sign an extension anywhere several teams dropped out, others reduced their offers. Andersson would not give the Flames a number, in terms of what it would take to re-sign him in Calgary.
The Boston Bruins were the frontrunners, and the Toronto Maple Leafs were also somewhere in there. However, the lack of a contract turned them both off.
This makes sense, as Andersson is simply not the kind of player you want to bring in as a rental. For the Golden Knights, this is a major risk.
The Carolina Hurricanes learned the hard way with Mikko Rantanen. Clearly, the Golden Knights are confident that they can convince Andersson to stay.
Either way, this was an interesting situation, and we are eager to see how it will play out as the season goes forward.
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New report suggests why Rasmus Andersson didn't end up with the Maple Leafs

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