As the Calgary Flames gear up for a new season, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the team—one that has fans and insiders alike holding their breath.

All summer long, whispers and speculation have swirled around the future of star defenseman Rasmus Andersson, a cornerstone of the Flames’ blue line and a fan favorite in Calgary.

Yet despite all the talk, no official move has been made, leaving everyone wondering what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Now, with the Flames’ captain Mikael Backlund breaking his silence in a candid interview, the situation has taken a dramatic turn that no one saw coming.

But what exactly did Backlund reveal about Andersson’s fate, and why has his statement sent shockwaves through the hockey world?

With Andersson entering the final year before unrestricted free agency and both sides seemingly at a crossroads, the stakes have never been higher. Will the Flames hold firm, or is a blockbuster trade just around the corner?

The answers remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: the next chapter in this saga promises to be one of the most riveting stories of the season. Read on to uncover the truth behind the rumors and what lies ahead for Rasmus Andersson and the Flames.

Photo credit: Daily Faceoff

Rasmus Andersson’s future in Calgary has been a huge talking point this summer, and now Mikael Backlund has confirmed that he’ll be traded in the near future.

Over the past few months, it’s become clear that Rasmus Andersson is ready to close the Calgary Flames chapter of his career, with many expecting a trade to go down this summer.

Thus far, nothing has come of all the speculation and chatter, but with so many teams interested in the 2026 unrestricted free agent, it’s a matter of when, not if a deal gets done.

Flames Captain Hints at Andersson’s Uncertain Future in Calgary

Now, that’s become even more certain after captain Mikael Backlund was interviewed by The Athletic ahead of the new season, as he opened up on the situation with Andersson, getting rather honest.

Yeah, he’s getting traded. It’s obvious.

But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well, so just go out and play.

I talked to him too, and he doesn’t want to be a distraction. So it’s all good. It’s too bad it’s come to this. I don’t think they’re close to getting an agreement or anything, but you never know. Things could change. We’ll see.

Contract Stalemate Fuels Trade Speculation Around Rasmus Andersson

At this point in time, it appears neither the player nor the team want to extend their time together, and while Andersson is incredibly valued and respected in Calgary, given the team rebuild, it makes sense for them to move on from him and allow him an opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup.

Whether it happens before the season or ahead of the trade deadline, all expectations are that Andersson will be wearing a different jersey at some point in 2025/26, and after all he’s given to the Flames, fans are excited to see him get an opportunity elsewhere.