It seems like everyone wants to play for the Vegas Golden Knights these days. The organization has an incredible front office who does whatever it takes to win. They also have a passionate fan base that won't constantly pressure you like they would in Canada.
For example, Mitch Marner preferred to stay in Las Vegas or take his talents to South Beach like LeBron James. Ultimately, he chose the former, joining Jack Eichel alongside the top line. The fans are thankful for eternity with the "Core Four" member forming his own crew in Sin City.
But there's another name that wants to come to the bright lights. His name's Rasmus Andersson and he wants to join in on the party with Marner. Hey, man. I heard the Vegas clubs are hoppin', even with the tourism numbers being down.
It's no wonder he rejected a potential deal to come to Los Angeles. No matter how hard Ken Holland tried, he couldn't pry the Swedish defenseman to come to Hollywood for his next major acting role.
Let's say that Andersson does get traded to the Golden Knights. Fish, fish, got what I wish! Calgary caves and trades him to Vegas, completing the gold team's blue lines. Where would he stand in the grand (hypothetical) scheme of things?
What Rasmus Andersson would bring to the Vegas Golden Knights
First, let'see what the defenseman contributes to Vegas.
In case you're unfamiliar with Andersson, he's a scrappy player. He's willing to go up against bigger opponents in puck battles, using his legs to win. It helps to be 214 pounds, which makes winning said puck battles much easier.
He's also a viable asset on the penalty kill, using his size to wrestle opponents from the puck. Considering the Golden Knights need some solid penalty killers (75.7% last season, 26th in the NHL), the Flames star would be what the doctor ordered.
There's also the fact he blocks shots (196 last season). Clogging lanes and blocking shots is what Bruce Cassidy loves, making Andersson the ideal fit. Let's not forget the offensive touch that he brings (11 goals and 20 assists last season).
Alex Pietrangelo appears to be finished with his Golden Knights career, given his various surgeries that he'll need. What better way to replace him than to use the 28-year-old in his place?
Placing Andersson into a hypothetical Golden Knights pairing
Let's say that Andersson is traded to the Golden Knights. Kelly McCrimmon works his magic from Disneyland and gets Vegas their physical defenseman.
Let's also make Whitecloud and his $2.75 million cap hit a hypothetical trade piece in this scenario. Where would he go if he were acquired (we're it again, similar to the forward groups!)?
Left | Right |
|---|---|
Shea Theodore | Brayden McNabb |
Noah Hanifin | Rasmus Andersson |
Jeremy Lauzon | Kaedan Korczak |
Obviously, Theodore and McNabb go way back and know each other well. They serve as the proverbial yin and yang: Theodore provides complementary offense while McNabb backchecks and blocks shots.
The second pairing has a similar vibe, with Hanifin (10 goals and 29 assists) acting as a solid offensive piece. Andersson would provide a similar feel, only he comes with more offense.
Essentially, the 28-year-old would fill Pietrangelo's role and act as a two-way defender. This would be the most productive pair from an offensive standpoint, with both players giving their teammates more firepower.
The last pair would be a gritty, defensive group that hits people and battles for pucks. I love this pair because they can energize their teammates, particularly with their physical, imposing style. Watch for Kaedan Korczak and Jeremy Lauzon for the upcoming season.
You can switch Andersson's line with Theodore's since the Misfit has been on the second pair in the past. After all, Bruce Cassidy doesn't believe in static lines. But the Swedish blue liner's primary role would be acting as an all-purpose defender akin to the two-time Stanley Cup champion. It would make him the ideal replacement for a team trying to win another Stanley Cup.