LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Vegas Golden Knights’ general manager, Kelly McCrimmon, had a clear understanding that it was highly improbable for defenseman Rasmus Andersson to remain with the team through the Olympic break. Recognizing the need to strengthen his defensive line, McCrimmon took swift action to secure a top-tier player in time for another playoff campaign.

This move is reminiscent of the many mid-season acquisitions the team has made since joining the league in 2017. On Sunday, the Knights successfully acquired the 29-year-old offensive defenseman in exchange for defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in 2027, and a conditional second-round pick in 2028.

“I think in Rasmus, we get a high-end defenseman,” McCrimmon stated Monday before the Knights’ 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. “He drives possession, he can make plays, he’s good in transition, he’s aggressive in the offensive zone — we think he’s really going to add to our hockey club.”

The Flames agreed to retain 50% of the remainder of Andersson’s salary in the final season of a six-year, $27.3 million contract.

“To be able to get it done with Vegas, they were willing to do it and do it without a contract because that was one thing that was made clear to us just in the last, maybe 12 hours, was there wasn’t going to be an extension signed with any of the teams,” said Flames general manager Craig Conroy. “That definitely changed the way we had to negotiate and what we got back in return.”

McCrimmon mentioned that the organization had been interested in Andersson during the offseason. When the 10-year veteran’s discussions with Calgary about an extension fell through, trade negotiations began. Knowing that Vegas was interested and recognizing Andersson’s participation in next month’s Olympics, it became crucial for the Flames to act before the break.

“He plays a hard game,” McCrimmon said. “An injury, I think, became a real issue for Calgary. I felt for a while that the longest Calgary would go before trading Rasmus would be the Olympic break. Because I don’t think if you’re in their position, you want the player going to the Olympics, potentially risking injury, and cost them a significant opportunity.”

McCrimmon noted that the team is currently working on Andersson’s immigration process, and until it is resolved, there is no set timeline for when he will debut with the Knights.

When he does join the team, Andersson will reunite with defenseman Noah Hanifin, who spent over five seasons in Calgary before being traded to Vegas in March 2024.

“He’s a gamer, he’s always engaged, he’s competitive,” Hanifin said. “I’d say he’s more of a puck mover, offensive guy, but he defends hard. He plays the game hard. And we want to be a good defensive team, so I think he’s gonna fit in well in that area.”

Andersson has participated in all of Calgary’s 48 games this season, tallying 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) with a plus-3 rating. His 30 points were the highest among Calgary’s defensemen, and his 10 goals are tied for eighth among all NHL defensemen.