Overview
- Calgary sent longtime defender Rasmus Andersson to Vegas, retaining half of his $4.55 million salary, for Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a top‑10 protected 2027 first‑round pick and a conditional 2028 second‑round pick.
- Whitecloud debuted one day after the trade, pairing with Kevin Bahl and skating 22:33 in a 2-1 overtime loss to New Jersey, with two shots, one hit and three blocks.
- The 29-year-old right-shot blueliner is regarded as a defensively reliable, limited-offence option who projects as a No. 4/5 and fits Calgary’s defensive structure.
- Whitecloud said he was surprised by the move but asked to play immediately and described the swift transition to Calgary as emotional yet energizing.
- He will wear No. 28 in Calgary and is signed through 2028 at a $2.75 million cap hit, as analysts weigh his NHL-ready value against opportunities for the Flames’ younger defence prospects.