The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, sending Zach Whitecloud and two high draft picks to Calgary. The deal includes the Flames retaining 50% of Andersson’s remaining salary. Sources confirm this was Andersson’s preferred destination, mirroring the recent Noah Hanifin trade.

Andersson, an alternate captain in Calgary, is in the final year of a $4.55 million contract and will play for Sweden at the Olympics. He becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1, but Vegas now has exclusive negotiating rights. The move solidifies the Knights’ status as perennial Stanley Cup contenders.

Calgary expedited the trade before the Olympic break, having known for months a deal was inevitable. Boston and Dallas were in talks but couldn’t secure an extension. Vegas continues its aggressive strategy of acquiring top talent, while Whitecloud departs after starting his career with the Knights in 2018.