Overview
- Multiple outlets report a spike in league-wide inquiries for Andersson following the Quinn Hughes deal, with insiders calling him the top defenseman currently available.
- TSN’s Pierre LeBrun says Toronto has circled back on Andersson, and the player is believed open to considering an extension if dealt to the Maple Leafs.
- Discussions now include a potential sign-and-trade, which insiders say could yield Calgary a stronger return than a pure rental.
- Darren Dreger notes Toronto’s pursuit may be constrained by limited tradable assets and high asking prices, even as their right side has been hit by long absences for Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo.
- Andersson, 29, is logging heavy minutes and producing offensively this season (seven goals and 22 points in roughly a third of the schedule), reinforcing his market value ahead of the March 6 deadline.