As free agency opens tomorrow, the Ottawa Senators still have work to do on the right side of their blue line. One of the biggest names available is Rasmus Andersson, who is coming off a trip to the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights after being traded by the Calgary Flames during the season. Steve Staios reportedly checked in on the Swedish defenseman before the deadline, but going all in on him this summer could end up being a mistake.
On paper, Andersson checks a lot of boxes for Ottawa. He shoots right, can move the puck, and doesn't mind playing with an edge in his own zone. The fit makes sense at first glance.
Following the trade to Vegas, Andersson never really looked like the same player. His underlying numbers slipped, and he and Noah Hanifin controlled just 41.76% of the shot attempts at five-on-five. He also finished near the bottom of the Golden Knights roster when it came to high-danger chances against. That's not exactly what you want to see from a player heading into free agency.
Andersson would be an ideal addition to the blue line
Andersson turns 30 this year and is expected to land one final long-term deal. Reports have suggested his next contract could come in around $8.5 million per season. That's a big commitment for a player coming off a down stretch, especially with Artem Zub eligible for a new contract next summer.
Carter Yakemchuk is a huge part of Ottawa's plans on the right side. Whether he arrives this season or the next, the organization clearly views him as part of its long-term core. Handing out six or seven years to Andersson doesn't just affect the salary cap; it also makes that path a little more complicated.
The Senators still need help on the blue line, but there are other ways to get it done. A shorter-term addition makes a lot more sense than handing out another massive contract that could become difficult to move a few years from now.
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