Vegas Golden Knights fans have made their intentions clear regarding Rasmus Andersson. They want Pavel Dorofeyev back instead of the Swedish Olympian and would prefer that the latter be shot out of a cannon aimed at the sun. However, there's a small problem.
Andersson actually wants to stay here. Yes, the fans would rather see Zach Whitecloud return to the Golden Knights and bring his class-act demeanor back to Las Vegas. However, it appears that the Swedish defenseman doesn't want to go anywhere.
"I love everything about Vegas. I would love to come back and work with Kelly to find a solution. To be back here would be awesome."Rasmus Andersson
If you haven't seen the stats, Andersson wasn't the most productive player for the Golden Knights this season. In 33 regular season games, the defenseman scored seven goals and 10 assists. The playoffs weren't much better, where he only notched six assists in 22 games.
Those stats alone should give pause to giving Andersson a contract extension. If he didn't perform as expected for the Golden Knights, what makes him a worthwhile extension candidate? The trade market has far more attractive options, ranging from Dylan Larkin to Connor Hellebuyck. Still, there's that sinking feeling that Vegas will still work out a deal with the Swedish Olympian and keep him around for the current Stanley Cup window.
Vegas Golden Knights fans won't like the impending reality of Rasmus Andersson getting a contract extension
Let's be honest for a second. Extending Rasmus Andersson to a long-term deal isn't the best idea, especially with his paltry production. Countless turnovers in the Stanley Cup playoffs have soured the fan base to the point where they'd rather see Andersson grilling burgers for his family than take the ice ever again.
But the rumor mill is suggesting otherwise, with some experts speculating that a gentlemen's agreement is already in place. Think of a potential seven-year deal worth $7 million AAV (roughly) for the Golden Knights' defenseman. So, what does that say about Andersson's future with Vegas?
Well, it says that Kelly McCrimmon has a lot of faith in what Andersson can do. He knows that the Olympian is terrific at stretch passes and moving the puck up and down the ice. The Golden Knights know that he can carry the offensive attack and be the spark plug that the transition game needs.
Plus, the current Stanley Cup window is wide open. McCrimmon wants key veterans on the team, especially if they've produced quality numbers in the past. He did produce 46 assists with the Calgary Flames in 2021-22, which was a career-high and good for third on the Flames. The Golden Knights general manager is banking on Andersson to produce those numbers again, only with better offensive pieces.
Will that be the case if he does get that contract extension? That remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: extending Andersson will be one of the biggest indicators of whether the Golden Knights hoist another Stanley Cup in the future. If not, send him to the pits of the hockey underworld and curse him forever.
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