Why Rasmus Andersson is a perfect trade target for the Edmonton Oilers | The Athletic
In the constantly shifting landscape of the National Hockey League, teams are always looking for ways to improve and build for both the present and the future. The Edmonton Oilers, a team with two of the most electric players in the league in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are constantly striving to put a roster around their stars capable of winning the Stanley Cup. With a deep commitment to offensive talent and skill, the Oilers have occasionally struggled to complement their stars with the type of defensive play and stability necessary for a long playoff run. In this context, the acquisition of Rasmus Andersson, a top-tier defenseman for the Calgary Flames, would be a shrewd move by the Oilers.
Rasmus Andersson, who has established himself as one of the more reliable and steady defensemen in the league, could be exactly what the Oilers need. Not only is he an elite two-way player, but his playing style fits well with the Oilers’ system, and his skillset complements the team’s star forwards. This article will explore why Rasmus Andersson is a perfect trade target for the Oilers, examining his skills, potential fit with the team, and the broader impact he could have on the Oilers’ pursuit of a championship.
1. A Well-Rounded Defenseman
One of the primary reasons Rasmus Andersson would be a perfect fit for the Edmonton Oilers is his well-rounded skill set. As a defenseman, Andersson excels in both offensive and defensive situations. His ability to play in all situations—on the power play, penalty kill, and at even strength—gives him the versatility the Oilers need.
Offensive Contribution
Andersson has established himself as a steady producer from the back end, with the ability to contribute offensively in ways that complement a team’s attacking structure. He is known for his excellent skating ability, vision, and hockey IQ, which allows him to join the rush effectively and contribute to offensive plays. Over the last few seasons, Andersson has consistently put up solid offensive numbers, averaging around 40 to 45 points per season.
For the Oilers, a team that thrives on speed and offensive production, Andersson’s ability to join the rush and provide secondary scoring is invaluable. His passing vision allows him to set up plays and transition the puck quickly, something that would enhance the Oilers’ transition game, which is often key to generating offense with McDavid and Draisaitl. His slapshot and quick release also make him a constant threat from the blue line on the power play, giving the Oilers another dimension to their already potent special teams unit.
Defensive Reliability
While Andersson’s offensive contributions are often highlighted, his defensive play is what truly makes him an ideal fit for the Oilers. Andersson plays with a high level of responsibility in his own zone, and his size—standing at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds—allows him to be effective in the physical aspects of the game. He excels in breaking up opposing attacks with his solid positioning, and his ability to shut down opponents with smart stick placement and body positioning makes him a reliable defender in critical situations.
Unlike some offensive defensemen who can be caught out of position, Andersson is reliable and poised under pressure, a trait that would be incredibly beneficial for the Oilers. With McDavid and Draisaitl being such offensive forces, the Oilers sometimes struggle with defensive consistency. Adding a steadying presence like Andersson on the blue line would give the team a greater sense of security and help stabilize their defense.
2. Fit with the Oilers’ Roster and Style of Play
The Edmonton Oilers are built around speed, skill, and puck movement, with a heavy reliance on their star players, particularly McDavid and Draisaitl. To complement this offensive firepower, the Oilers need a defenseman who can contribute offensively, transition the puck quickly, and provide stability in their own zone. Rasmus Andersson fits this mold perfectly.
A Seamless Transition to Edmonton
The Oilers’ defensive corps has been in flux over the last few seasons, with various players coming and going. While players like Darnell Nurse and Tyson Barrie have their strengths, the team still lacks a truly elite all-around defenseman who can handle top-pair minutes in both offensive and defensive situations. Andersson, who plays a similar role for the Calgary Flames, would slot in seamlessly as a top-pairing defenseman alongside Nurse or even Evan Bouchard, giving the Oilers a deep and well-rounded defensive group.
Moreover, Andersson’s right-handed shot would complement the left-handed shooters on the team and balance out the defensive pairings, especially given the Oilers’ struggles at times to generate right-side defensive depth. His ability to move the puck quickly up the ice would fit perfectly with the Oilers’ up-tempo, high-speed game, allowing McDavid, Draisaitl, and other forwards to enter the offensive zone with clean breakouts and full speed.
Power Play and Special Teams Impact
A key aspect of Andersson’s value to the Oilers lies in his ability to contribute to the team’s special teams, particularly the power play. The Oilers’ power play is among the best in the league, and Andersson could further enhance this unit. With his strong slapshot and vision, he would provide a solid point presence on the power play, joining the likes of McDavid, Draisaitl, Barrie, and others in a unit that already boasts a potent offensive punch.
What makes Andersson particularly valuable to the Oilers’ power play is his calmness and poise with the puck, as well as his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. He’s not a player who gets rattled easily, which is a quality the Oilers need in the chaotic and high-stakes moments that arise on the man advantage. Additionally, his ability to quarterback the power play and set up shots from the point would add another layer to the offensive strategy, making it even more difficult for opposing teams to defend.
On the penalty kill, Andersson would be a major asset as well. He is a strong defender who excels in blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes, both of which are crucial components of a successful penalty kill. The Oilers’ penalty kill has been a weak spot in recent seasons, and Andersson’s defensive acumen would help them shore up this area of their game.
3. Age, Contract, and Future Outlook
One of the most important factors when considering Rasmus Andersson as a trade target for the Oilers is his age and contract situation. At just 26 years old, Andersson is entering the prime of his career and has plenty of years left to contribute at a high level. His contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season with a cap hit of $4.55 million, is both affordable and team-friendly. This is crucial for the Oilers, who already have substantial commitments to McDavid and Draisaitl and need to make smart financial moves to stay competitive.
Andersson’s relatively low cap hit makes him a manageable acquisition for the Oilers, especially when you consider the cap constraints of the current NHL landscape. In addition, acquiring Andersson now would give the Oilers a long-term solution on their blue line, providing stability and leadership at a time when they are striving to build a championship contender.
The fact that Andersson is locked into a long-term deal also gives the Oilers peace of mind in terms of roster construction, as they would not have to worry about losing him to free agency anytime soon. This contrasts with rental options or other defensemen on expiring contracts, making him a safer and more cost-effective option for the future.
4. A Perfect Trade Target for the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers, with their championship window firmly open thanks to the presence of McDavid and Draisaitl, need to make moves that complement their strengths while addressing their weaknesses. A player like Rasmus Andersson would immediately improve their blue line, making the team deeper, more balanced, and more capable of competing for a Stanley Cup.
The Oilers need a defenseman who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and Andersson’s versatility makes him a perfect target. Whether it’s his ability to play in all situations, his impact on the power play, or his defensive reliability, Andersson checks all the boxes. Furthermore, his long-term contract and age make him a player who could anchor the Oilers’ defense for years to come, providing the stability they need to support their star forwards.
In conclusion, Rasmus Andersson’s combination of skill, versatility, and fit with the Oilers’ roster makes him an ideal trade target. With his addition to the roster, the Oilers would not only enhance their blue line but also solidify their chances of competing for a Stanley Cup in the near future. If the Oilers can make the right deal to acquire Andersson, they could be adding one of the league’s most well-rounded defensemen to an already star-studded roster, positioning themselves for sustained success in the years to come.
