The Vegas Golden Knights (24-13-12) showed how serious they’re about competing for the Stanley Cup this season after they accomplished an enormous trade with the Calgary Flames to accumulate defenseman Rasmus Andersson. They’re wanting to integrate him into their blue line and construct chemistry before the Winter Olympics. Bruce Cassidy is still waiting for the green light, nevertheless.
The Golden Knights head coach revealed that Andersson’s status for Friday night’s road game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (24-17-9) is currently unknown because of the Swedish player’s immigration/Visa situation, per The Athletic’s Jesse Granger. The required paperwork needs to be accomplished at any time when a non-American citizen joins an American franchise, but fans are hoping it’s resolved before opening face-off in Scotiabank Arena.
It can be a special matchup, as star right winger Mitch Marner returns to Toronto for the primary time since signing with Vegas in free agency. If Andersson suits up, then the hockey world might be overflowing with intrigue. The 29-year-old, who’s because of hit the open market himself at the tip of the season, was with the squad for Thursday’s 4-3 loss versus the surging Boston Bruins.
Following a seven-game winning streak, which followed a five-game losing streak, the Golden Knights have dropped their last two matchups (each by one goal). Perhaps Rasmus Andersson is coming aboard at the right time. He tallied 30 points, 90 blocks, 29 hits and a +3 plus-minus in 48 games with Calgary this season.
The 2015 second-round draft pick will prepare himself for motion, just in case he’s cleared to play in the large Maple Leafs clash. The puck will drop at roughly 7 p.m. ET.