NHL News: Mitch Marner's Golden Knights reportedly cannot rest on their laurels in heated race for Flames star Rasmus Andersson

The Vegas Golden Knights completed the biggest trade of the 2025 summer in the NHL—and one of the most important in recent history. As Mitch Marner settles into life in Las Vegas, the organization is looking to add another high-impact talent to its ranks. But its pursuit of Calgary Flames star Rasmus Andersson may face some headwinds.

The Golden Knights are shaping up to be one of the big contenders to the Stanley Cup in the 2025-26 NHL season. And their dominance could easily extend further into the future. Marner is signed for the long-haul, and the sky truly feels like the limit in Vegas.

Under Bruce Cassidy’s coaching, Marner and the Golden Knights look poised to give any team in the league a run for its money. But adding even more talent never hurt anyone—and that’s precisely the mindset in Sin City as the Knights pursue the Flames’ Rasmus Andersson.

While on that topic, however, reports are now indicating Marner and Vegas shouldn’t ease up as there are several other franchises in pursuit of the 28-year-old blueliner in Calgary.

Rasmus Andersson #4 of the Calgary Flames waits for a faceoff in the second period of a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on January 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I don’t think it’s accurate that Rasmus Andersson will only play for [the Golden Knights],” insider Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “But I have heard it’s limited. More than one, but it’s not like ten, [either].”

see also

In addition to Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly exploring trade options for former first-round pick

All the time in the world

While Andersson asks to be traded somewhere he envisions himself signing a long-term deal, the Flames are choosing to take their sweet time. Although the Golden Knights aren’t the lone item in his list, Vegas might be Andersson’s favorite suitor. Needless to say, the Flames aren’t exactly eager to send their defenseman to a divisional rival.

Trade deadline sell

“I understand why the Flames might say no to [Andersson’s short list of potential destinations} now, and think they’ll be in a better place later. Because if they trade him at the deadline, then he’ll go anywhere,” Friedman added. “That’s good.“

“There’ll be a market for a player like him [at the trade deadline]. He’s a right-hand shot. Good player, making not a lot of money, and at that point in time, you’re just going somewhere where you think you can fit in.“

The Flames appear willing to roll the dice and keep Andersson in town heading into the 2025–26 NHL season. The risk of injury or decline will always loom before the trade deadline, but the Flames would much rather take that chance than essentially gift their star to a rival on the rise, like Marner’s Golden Knights.