In a significant move reshaping their blue line, the Calgary Flames have completed a major trade, sending veteran defenceman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. The transaction, finalized on Sunday, January 18, 2026, ends months of speculation about the future of one of Calgary's most valuable assets.
The Return for Calgary's Top Defenceman
Flames General Manager Craig Conroy secured a multi-faceted return for Andersson. The package heading to Calgary includes defenceman Zach Whitecloud, collegiate prospect Abram Wiebe, and two future draft selections. The draft compensation is particularly notable: a first-round pick in 2027 and a conditional selection in 2029 that converts from a second-rounder to a first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this June.
This deal follows Calgary's acquisition of Vegas's first-round pick for the upcoming 2026 draft, which was obtained in the Noah Hanifin trade back in March 2024. The Flames have also agreed to retain half of Andersson's salary for the remainder of the current season, facilitating the move for Vegas.
Andersson's Legacy and Departure
Rasmus Andersson played his final game for the Flames on Saturday, January 17, 2026, a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Selected by Calgary in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Swedish blueliner made his debut in 2017 and went on to appear in 584 games wearing the Flaming C. He amassed 57 goals and 204 assists during his tenure.
This season, the 29-year-old was arguably Calgary's best player, leading the team's defence corps with 10 goals and 30 points in 48 games, while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per night. His impending unrestricted free agency this summer, combined with Calgary's rebuilding timeline, made a long-term extension unlikely, prompting Conroy to act.
Adding urgency to the trade was Andersson's selection to represent Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Flames avoided the risk of a potential injury during the high-intensity tournament by completing the deal beforehand.
What Vegas Acquires and Calgary Receives
The Golden Knights are adding a top-pairing, right-shot defenceman in the prime of his career. Andersson logs major minutes in all situations, including both power-play and penalty-killing duties. He is expected to slot immediately into Vegas's championship-caliber lineup as they pursue another Stanley Cup.
Coming to Calgary is Zach Whitecloud, a 29-year-old, right-shot defenceman like Andersson. A Stanley Cup champion with Vegas in 2023, Whitecloud has played 368 regular-season NHL games, posting 23 goals, 55 assists, and a +42 rating. This season, in 47 games, he has 2 goals and 7 points, along with 63 blocked shots and 73 hits. He is under contract through the 2027-28 season at a $2.75 million cap hit and is a proven penalty-killing specialist.
The prospect in the deal, Abram Wiebe, is a 22-year-old defenceman in his third season at the University of North Dakota. He has recorded 3 goals and 14 points in 24 games this season (2025-26) and cannot sign a professional contract until he concludes his collegiate career.
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises. Vegas strengthens its roster for a playoff push, while Calgary continues to stockpile future assets and reshape its team under Conroy's leadership, turning a valued veteran into multiple pieces for the future.
