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Confirmation of a Rasmus Andersson trade from Elliotte Friedman and the Red Wings are knocking


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Joshua Deeds
January 17, 2026  (8:57)
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Jan 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at United Center.
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

With NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman confirming a Rasmus Andersson trade is imminent, one playoff contender, the Detroit Red Wings, is knocking

The Detroit Red Wings sit 2nd in the Atlantic Division and are poised for the postseason. In order to stay in a contending position, the team will need to make trades to upgrade positions.
One of those places in the lineup, the blue line, needs another top-four blueliner to keep the team flush with depth.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, on his latest 32 Thoughts Podcast, dropped some juicy information on the development of a trade for Andersson.
"It sounds like there is a desire to do it (trade Andersson) before the Olympics, and teams know that."

- Elliotte Friedman

Amidst all speculation, it appears the Red Wings are Andersson's number one suitor.
Adding a defenseman like Andersson could be a coup for Steve Yzerman, who wants a trade before the Olympic break.
His cap is manageable ($4.55 million average-annual value), unlike other trade candidates, which we've mentioned before, like Dougie Hamilton ($9 million AAV), who's clashed with his general manager recently
This season in 47 games, he's scored 29 points (10-19), occupying the Flames' top pair and 2nd power play unit.

What would the Detroit Red Wings have to pay to acquire Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames?

Since Andersson has improved his trade value, we expect that the Flames won't part ways with the right-shot defenseman for cheap.
Given how high of a commodity defensemen have become lately, we could see the Red Wings parting ways with a top prospect and a 1st-round pick (2026 or 2027) for the veteran.
With this, we're speculating that an extension would come into fruition if a trade is completed between the two teams. Given that this was the reason the Red Wings' trade failed to acquire Quinn Hughes.
But given the quality of player Andersson is and his affordable cap hit, this could be the best possible outcome for the Red Wings.
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Confirmation of a Rasmus Andersson trade from Elliotte Friedman and the Red Wings are knocking

With confirmation of a trade for defenseman Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, do you think the Detroit Red Wings, who are knocking, will get a deal done soon?


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