Flames Top 25 Under 25: #10 - Rasmus Andersson

#10: Rasmus Andersson

Position: D

Age: 20

Team: Stockton Heat

Drafted: 2015 #53 (Round 2)

Last Year Rank: #10

Rasmus Andersson maintained his ranking at #10 this season as he completed his first professional season with the Stockton Heat. In the process he put up 22 points in 54 games which is pretty solid for a rookie. Andersson was given a lot of responsiblity with the Heat this season and was a big part of their push for the playoffs.

Andersson is well known for his offensive ability as well as having a strong skating ability. He took some big strides forward in these areas as he continues to improve. His defensive zone play is also fairly stout, although certain areas such as physicality could use some work which comes in time. You can add size, but you can’t teach a lot of the skills that Andersson has.

Andersson could push for a spot in the NHL this season, but he’s probably better off playing top minutes with Stockton rather than being a sixth or seventh defenceman in Calgary. However should a defender get injured, I could very easily see Andersson being the callup and perhaps even getting into the lineup ahead of Matt Bartkowski who is likely the seventh defender.