The Calgary Flames just missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are entering a crucial offseason where retooling the roster is a top priority. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are desperate to end their NHL-record 14-season playoff drought and are aggressively exploring opportunities to bolster their blue line.
Could the Calgary Flames Trade Rasmus Andersson for Bowen Byram This Offseason?
A mock trade proposal making the rounds suggests the following deal:
- Buffalo Sabres receive: Rasmus Andersson
- Calgary Flames receive: Bowen Byram, Isak Rosen, and a 2025 4th-round pick (Minnesota Wild pick)
Rasmus Andersson’s name has been mentioned in the rumor mill since last summer, but Calgary opted to hold onto their reliable defenseman. However, after another disappointing finish, could this be the offseason where Andersson is finally moved?
From Buffalo’s perspective, Andersson would slot perfectly alongside Rasmus Dahlin on the Sabres’ top defensive pair. His right-shot presence would balance the blue line, providing a critical boost to Buffalo’s defensive corps. Given that Andersson is under contract at a reasonable $4.55M AAV for another season, he brings both stability and experience that the Sabres desperately need.
The Flames, on the other hand, would be taking a calculated risk. Bowen Byram, a former fourth-overall pick, has flashed top-pairing potential but has battled injuries. At 23, he still has significant upside, particularly as a mobile, left-shot defenseman—a critical area of need for Calgary. Isak Rosen, a 22-year-old center with first-round pedigree, sweetens the pot, offering scoring depth and potential long-term upside.
It’s important to note: this deal only works if Byram signs a long-term contract with Calgary. The Flames can’t afford to lose Andersson for an RFA who walks in a year or two.
My Take:
If you’re Calgary GM Craig Conroy, this is a tough but necessary gamble. You get younger, you address positional needs, and you add high-upside players to a roster that wants to be in the playoffs next season. For Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams, acquiring Andersson signals a clear “win-now” mentality to finally break the playoff curse.
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A long term contract would be a very big risk for a player with Byram’s history. A 3 year showme contract without trade protection would mitigate the risk if Conroy does decide to gamble. If he can stay healthy and plays well for 2 years then you start talking extension again. If he does that but won’t extend or his ask is absurd them you have a year to trade him, possibly with retention for a good return. And if he fails then you’re only stuck with him for 3 years.