The Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames came close last season to completing a trade centered on defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but the agreement collapsed, leaving both clubs to reassess their rosters as the 2024‑25 offseason unfolds.
The Andersson Deal That Never Was
Andersson, a right‑handed blueliner who had become a key piece of Boston’s defensive core, ultimately declined to sign a contract extension with the Bruins, prompting the team to move him to the Vegas Golden Knights in a deal that surprised many observers.
Flames’ Defensive Targets
The Flames, who had identified Andersson as a potential anchor for their own blue line, found themselves without that target and turned their attention to other defensive options, including the emerging Mason Lohrei, a left‑handed prospect who could fill the void on the left side of their defense.
Lohrei’s defensive skill set and offensive upside made him an attractive piece for Calgary, which has been searching for a reliable partner on the left side of its back end after a season that left the team thin at that position.
Bruins’ Forward Search
Meanwhile, the Bruins have been probing ways to bolster a forward group that has shown flashes of promise but lacks depth, and they have turned their gaze toward Calgary’s center Morgan Frost, a 2017 first‑round pick who posted a career‑high 22 goals and 43 points in 82 games last season.
Frost’s combination of size, work ethic and offensive production has drawn praise from Boston’s management, who view him as a player who could add a different dimension to their attack and provide a more balanced scoring distribution.
A Proposed Summer Swap
A proposed three‑team transaction that has been floated in recent weeks would see the Bruins acquire Frost and the Flames receive Lohrei along with a 2029 third‑round draft pick, a package that could benefit both clubs by addressing their respective needs.
For Boston, adding a center with Frost’s skill set would not only increase goal production but also free up cap space and roster spots for younger talent, while Calgary would gain a young, right‑handed defenseman in Lohrei who could grow into a top‑four player on their blue line.
The potential swap also reflects a broader trend in the NHL where teams are willing to trade assets that align more closely with their long‑term strategic goals, even if it means parting with promising prospects like Lohrei.
As the summer progresses, both franchises are expected to continue negotiations, with the Bruins’ front office weighing the value of Frost against the upside of retaining Lohrei, and the Flames evaluating how best to leverage their defensive depth to improve their playoff prospects.