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Zach Whitecloud Debuts for Flames, Steps Into Rasmus Andersson’s Former Role

His arrival underscores Calgary’s push to stabilize the blue line after parting with a long‑time cornerstone.

Overview

  • Calgary acquired Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick (top-10 protected) and a conditional 2028 second-round pick for Rasmus Andersson, with the Flames retaining half of Andersson’s $4.55 million salary.
  • Whitecloud logged 22:33 with two shots, one hit and three blocks in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Devils on Jan. 20, earning positive reviews from coach Ryan Huska.
  • Inserted directly next to Kevin Bahl in Andersson’s old spot, the 29-year-old wore No. 28 for his first game after flying in from Las Vegas that morning.
  • A 2023 Stanley Cup winner with Vegas, Whitecloud is regarded as a reliable defensive right-shot option under contract through 2028 at a $2.75 million cap hit.
  • Wiebe, a 6-foot-3 University of North Dakota defender and 2022 seventh-round pick, joins as a longer-term project, while some reports note league interest in Whitecloud’s availability.