Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins

How Does the Quinn Hughes Trade Affect Ramus Andersson?

Kent Wilson of the Calgary Sun: Wilson writes now that the smoke has settled on the Quinn Hughes trade from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild, attention is turning to the Calgary Flames and Rasmus Andersson. While Andersson and Hughes are on two different levels, the package for the eldest Hughes brother sets the market for Andersson.

NHL Rumors: Are Rasmus Andersson’s Days With the Calgary Flames Numbered?

As Wilson noted, Anderson and the Flames will not get a package like the Canucks got, but Calgary can ask for a higher price than usual. Say, for instance, Hughes only went for a first-round pick and another player; maybe the Flames could get bullied by teams that need a right-shot defenseman. Now, Flames management can set the asking price and ask a team to offer a “yes” package.

The Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights have been linked to Andersson in the past. Other teams, such as the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals, will inquire about him. Along with Andersson, the Flames will continue to get calls on Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman. Again, for Kadri, it will be an offer they can’t refuse.

Quick NHLRumors.com Note: Expect trade activity to pick up after the holiday trade freeze. The Flames will be a target of teams looking to bolster their roster. They have three great players who will help contenders. But Andersson is the most valuable because of his position.

What Will the Pittsburgh Penguins Do with Kris Letang?

Josh Yohe of The Athletic: It is no secret that Kris Letang is not having the best of years for the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, there is more talk inside the organization than normal. We all knew what he could bring, but Father Time is catching up with him.

NHL Rumors: Quinn Hughes Was Always Leaving Vancouver and Had Trade Protection

What isn’t happening is a trade. Letang has a full no-movement clause. Plus, how many teams want an aging player (38 right now) with a health history of two strokes and who is still owed $6.1 million annually over the next two seasons? Nobody wants him. So that option is out, along with buying him out of his contract. The Penguins get no cap relief because he is over 35.

Despite Letang wanting to keep playing beyond this contract, it is hard to imagine the Penguins will extend. The whole point of this trio of Letang, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin remaining in Pittsburgh is so they can retire together.

Quick NHLRumors.com Note: You have to wonder if Letang’s health becomes a concern again, there is a chance Pittsburgh could pull something out of the Washington Capitals playbook. Remember, they kept Nicklas Backstrom out because of his knee, and T.J. Oshie retired because of his back. So maybe the nuclear option is Lupul or Robidas Island.

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