Kelly McCrimmon Lays Breadcrumb On Possible Rasmus Andersson Pursuit?

Kelly McCrimmon Lays Breadcrumb On Possible Rasmus Andersson Pursuit?

Rasmus Andersson only wants Vegas, and Kelly McCrimmon knows it. He’s just stalking his prey right now, and the playbook that was used for Mitch Marner is coming.

You will take Nic Roy, and like it, Toronto.

You will take Ben Hutton +, and like it, Calgary.

Did anybody notice what McCrimmon said during the Marner introductory press conference? McCrimmon stated that he likes his D core. Then brought up how good of a player Ben Hutton is.

Want to hear my theory?

I could be off base but I wonder if this signals they think they’re getting Andersson with retention

8 D signed not including Petro or RFA Cormier.

Calgary thin on the left side. Hutton should theoretically start for them. Add in the necessary draft capital? Miromanov vibes?

— Trey Daubert (@treydaubert) July 1, 2025

Ready for the list? Hanifin, Theodore, McNabb, Whitecloud, Korczak, Lauzon, Megna, Hutton, Coghlan, and RFA Cormer. That’s not including Pietragelo on LTIR. Something has to give.

Trading Hutton and getting Andersson on retention would be right out of the McCrimmon playbook. It’s what happened with Miromanov in the Hanifin trade. Miromanov + the necessary draft picks, and let’s get this deal done. Now it’s time for part two with Andersson.

Calgary wants a haul for Andersson, and McCrimmon won’t budge… because he knows he has the leverage. You’re going to take what we offer, and you’re going to like it, Calgary. He’s not bluffing either. It’s called the Korczak extension. McCrimmon spoke glowingly and then delivered this extension on top of it.

“I think the obvious candidate for more responsibility is Kaedan Korczak,” McCrimmon said. “He’s going to be an every-night player; we are really confident that he can be.”

“That was one of the things Alex [Pietrangelo] brought up,” said McCrimmon. “He thinks [Korczak] is ready to be a really good NHL player for a long time, and so do we.”

“Sometimes, you need that opportunity to take a step,” said McCrimmon. “You have to be ready for it when the opportunity comes, or you don’t get to keep it. But there’s a little more opportunity back there [on defense] for some guys that I think will step into it.”

Rasmus Andersson Rejects Kings, Only Wants Vegas

Vegas is in no rush to cave to Craig Controy and his demands. They believe in Korczak, and he’s ready for an every day role. Long term? Of course, they want Andersson. Better yet, Andersson wants the VGK too, and he knows it.

I’m quite sure Hanifin is a great recruiting chip here, considering Andersson was his D partner for so long with the Flames. I’m quite sure Vegas would love to pair them up again. Conroy is just going to have to realize he better take their package before he gets nothing when Andersson walks to Vegas in free agency.

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