After months of swirling rumours, the Calgary Flames have made a significant move, trading defenceman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Breaking Down the Trade Return
In exchange for their top-pairing blueliner, the Flames have secured a multi-faceted package from Vegas. The return includes veteran defenceman Zach Whitecloud, defensive prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round selection. The condition on that 2028 pick is notable: it will upgrade to a first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this season.
Where Does Zach Whitecloud Fit on the Flames' Blue Line?
At 29 years old, Zach Whitecloud wasn't the headline piece many Flames fans envisioned in an Andersson deal. However, his arrival addresses an immediate need. A stay-at-home defender, Whitecloud has averaged 18:46 of ice time in 47 games this season and was a key part of Vegas's penalty kill.
While he won't replicate Andersson's offensive production—managing only two goals and five assists this year—his defensive reliability is his calling card. The Flames will likely slot him alongside Kevin Bahl, providing a stable, defensive-minded pairing.
This strategic placement serves a dual purpose: it fills the immediate gap left by Andersson while allowing prized prospects like Hunter Brzustewicz and Zayne Parekh to develop without being thrust into overwhelming top-pairing minutes. One of those young talents is also expected to get an increased opportunity to quarterback the power play.
Getting to Know Prospect Abram Wiebe
For fans unfamiliar with the prospect portion of the return, Abram Wiebe is a 22-year-old, left-shot defenceman from Mission, British Columbia. Currently playing NCAA hockey for the University of North Dakota, he is an assistant captain and has posted 14 points in 24 games this season.
Wiebe adds depth to an already impressive pool of Flames defensive prospects. While not a guaranteed NHL star, his development at an elite program like North Dakota, where he plays alongside other Flames prospects, is a positive sign. He also brings a hockey pedigree as the great-nephew of longtime Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Keith Brown.
The trade of Rasmus Andersson marks a clear transitional moment for the Calgary Flames. The acquisition of a serviceable NHL defender in Whitecloud, a promising prospect in Wiebe, and valuable future draft capital provides the franchise with both short-term stability and long-term flexibility as they continue their rebuild.
