Flames Top 25 Under 25: #2 – Rasmus Andersson

#2 – Rasmus Andersson

Position: Defence

Age: 23 (as of August 1 2020)

2019-20 Team: Calgary Flames (NHL)

Drafted: 2015, 2nd Round, Pick 53

2019 Ranking: #4

Andersson Votes

The 2019-20 campaign was another strong step forward for Rasmus Andersson. After completing his first full NHL season in 2018-19, Andersson continued his development in 2019-20 and earning more opportunities in the lineup as a result. His ice time grew from 16 minutes a night in 18-19 to nearly 20 minutes this past year. In the playoffs it grew even more, winding up with 21:27 of ice time per game, second only to captain Mark Giordano.

Offensively Andersson had 5 goals and 22 points in the regular season, both of which were career highs despite the shortened season. He had three goals and five points in ten playoff games as well with the three goals being tied for 5th highest on the team. In my opinion the Flames are still only scratching the surface on the offensive side of Andersson’s game. He did get some time on the second powerplay unit as well, and with his blistering shot, he looks poised to increase his totals again this season.

Defensively I thought Andersson’s game also took a step forward as well, often finding himself on the top pairing alongside Mark Giordano or really meshing well with Noah Hanifin who had struggled to produce chemistry with Travis Hamonic. Andersson continues to also be a very good team player as he repeatedly stood up for his teammates and didn’t back away from any scrums. He does have considerable edge to his game but it sometimes isn’t even noticed, which can be a good thing.

Andersson begins the first of a six year deal at $4.55M AAV this season which could turn out to be a very good contract for the club. In hindsight the Flames were very smart to get negotiations out of the way prior to COVID as even thought it’s a number that’s still slightly higher than where he’s at right now, getting the term was a brilliant tactical move.

I happened to buy an Andersson Blasty jersey which I’m also very proud of as well.

by Michael MacGillivray