LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Vegas Golden Knights general manager, Kelly McCrimmon, had a clear understanding that defenseman Rasmus Andersson wouldn’t remain with the Calgary Flames for long. With the Olympic break approaching, McCrimmon knew he needed to act swiftly if he wanted to strengthen his team’s defensive lineup and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Since the team joined the league in 2017, McCrimmon has consistently made impactful mid-season trades, and this move was no different. On Sunday, the Knights acquired the 29-year-old offensive defenseman in a deal that involved sending defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in 2027, and a conditional second-rounder in 2028 to Calgary.

“I think in Rasmus, we get a high-end defenseman,” McCrimmon said 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 his six-year, $27.3 million contract. This arrangement allowed the trade to happen without an extension, as both teams were clear about not wanting to sign any new contracts during the negotiations.

“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 revealed that the organization had been interested in Andersson during the offseason. When discussions about an extension with Calgary stalled, trade talks began. Knowing that Vegas was interested and that Andersson would be representing Sweden in the upcoming Olympics, the Flames felt the need to act quickly 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 mentioned that the team is currently working through Andersson’s immigration process, and until it is resolved, there is no set timeline for when he will make his debut with the Knights.

When he does join the team, Andersson will reunite with defenseman Noah Hanifin, who previously played five-plus seasons with 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 been a consistent presence for Calgary this season, playing in all 48 games and recording 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) with a plus-3 rating. His 30 points led all Calgary defensemen, and his 10 goals are tied for eighth among all NHL defensemen.