The business side of hockey can be a difficult one, especially when a player has spent his entire nine-year NHL career in one place.
That is how defenseman Rasmus Andersson expressed his feelings to reporters about swirling trade rumors on Friday.
He even took it upon himself to insult the enemy, for whatever brownie points that could be worth with the Flames front office with less than two months before the trade deadline.
"I love playing here and I've always loved playing here and that's never going to change," Andersson said to Sportsnet. "I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks and that's just the way I am."
The Flames selected Andersson in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft. He embodies the kind of draft success story the organization aims to replicate on its blue line.
In the NHL, asset management is key, and Andersson's value is undeniable. With 18 months left on a deal carrying a $4.55 million cap hit, he would be a highly sought-after player if made available on the trade market, which is a big reason why his name is circling as a trade piece ahead of the March 8 trade deadline.
"I hate the Oilers, I hate the Canucks and that's just the way I am."
"Of course I would love to stay here, but I've heard from everyone else who has been in my situation that it's a business."
"So we'll see what happens." https://t.co/X1FQQUZRpc
"Of course I would love to stay here, but I've heard from everyone else who has been in my situation that it's a business," Andersson said. "So we'll see what happens."
After key teammates like Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, and Jacob Markstrom were traded, it seemed unlikely he'd want to remain with a team that struggled late last season.
However, the organization empowered Andersson over the summer, entrusting him with increased responsibilities, including heavier minutes, running the power play, and leading the defense. He embraced the challenge, playing the best hockey of his career and earning a spot on Sweden's blue line for the 4 Nation's Faceoff.
Andersson's performance has been pivotal in keeping the Flames competitive in a playoff race few expected them to be in. They sit one point outside of a playoff spot at the halfway benchmark of the season after shedding off some of these key names.
"For sure I'm happy," said Andersson.
"All you can ask for is to fight for a playoff spot. We've proven a lot of people wrong. I love being part of this group. My indication from up top is they're happy, I'm happy, we're all good."
He's tallied six goals and 18 points in all 40 Flames games this season.
Whether Andersson remains a Flame or not, it's clear he is showing no signs of regression in his game at 28-years-old.
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