Rasmus Andersson

Rasmus Andersson (born 27 October 1996) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 53rd overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2015 NHL entry draft.

Rasmus' older brother Calle and father Peter were both drafted by the New York Rangers, in 2012 and 1983, respectively.

Early life Andersson was born in Malmö, Sweden on 27 October 1996.

Playing career

Andersson made his professional debut in his native Sweden, with his local team Malmö Redhawks. He appeared in 38 games in the HockeyAllsvenskan for 11 points in the 2012–13 season. Andersson went on to record 13 points in 43 games in his second year stint in the Swedish second tier.

Andersson left Sweden and followed his family footsteps to North America by playing a major junior season with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before he was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 2015 NHL entry draft. On 15 September 2015, Andersson was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Flames.

Andersson began his professional career in North America during the 2016–17 season with the Stockton Heat of the American Hockey League (AHL), recording 22 points in 54 games. Andersson made his NHL debut on 8 April 2017, against the San Jose Sharks. The 3–1 loss was the Flames' final game of the regular season.

Andersson started the 2017–18 season with the Stockton Heat. He was called up to the NHL for the first time that season on 9 November 2017. His call up did not last long and he was sent back down to the AHL on 13 November, after playing one game. Andersson was selected as the sole representative of the Heat for the 2018 AHL All-Star Game. He was called up to the NHL for the second time that season on 19 March 2018.

Andersson participated in the Flames' 2018–19 training camp but was cut before the final roster was finalized. His reassignment to the Heat was short lived, however, as following the Flames season opener, they placed Travis Hamonic on injured reserve and recalled Andersson to the NHL.

Calgary Flames During the 2019–20 season, having established himself amongst the Flames as a top-four pairing defenseman, on 8 January 2020, Andersson signed a six-year, $27.3 million contract extension with the Flames.

Andersson was named alternate captain by the Flames before the 2023–24 season on 7 October 2023. On 21 October, Andersson was suspended for four games by the NHL for charging.

Vegas Golden Knights Andersson was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on 18 January 2026, in exchange for defencemen Zach Whitecloud and Abram Wiebe, a conditional 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick. He signed a seven-year, $59.5 million contract with the Golden Knights on 1 July.

Personal life Andersson and his wife Tessa have two children, a son and a daughter. He was a close friend of Johnny Gaudreau.

Andersson has participated in the Calgary Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic to raise money for the Calgary Flames Foundation. He won the 43rd annual classic in 2024. He often visits the Special Olympics and Alberta Hospital.

AHL All-Star Game 2018