Andersson can talk a good game
Flames prospect prides himself on getting under the opposition’s skin
GLENDALE, ARIZ. Here’s something you probably didn’t know about Calgary Flames defence call-up Rasmus Andersson.
The prized prospect is apparently a bit of a chirping chatter box, a guy who doesn’t miss many opportunities to give an earful to an opponent.
“I talk a lot out there, for sure,” Andersson confirmed with a grin. “I think a few teams are not too happy with me.”
No problem, because his own employers are certainly pleased with his progress.
With TJ Brodie shelved by an upper-body injury, Andersson was summoned Monday from the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat, an opportunity for the minor-league all-star to show he’s ready for prime time.
The 21-year-old Andersson skated on Calgary ’s third pairing during a late date with the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena, his third career contest at the highest level.
“Almost every report we get back (from Stockton) is that he’s the guy who is kind of separating himself down there,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan. “By all accounts, this guy is getting very close to being a regular at this level.”
On this stage, at least for now, Andersson will likely let his play do the talking.
Brodie was belted by Golden Knights bulldozer Ryan Reaves in Sunday’s loss in Las Vegas and Gulutzan didn’t offer much of an update on his upper-body injury, saying only that No. 7 was due to be evaluated again Monday. That adage — no news is good news — doesn’t typically apply to NHL health reports.
The Flames are in must-win mode as they cling to their flickering playoff hopes, but for as long as this latest promotion lasts, Andersson is also auditioning for next fall and beyond.
The right-handed rearguard has so far piled up 38 points — eight goals and 30 helpers — in 53 outings during his second campaign with the Heat, making him the sixth-most productive blue-liner on the minor-league circuit this winter. During the skills competition at the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic, his slapper was clocked at 101.5 m.p.h.
His offensive contributions are especially impressive when you consider Andersson and his usual partner, Tyler Wotherspoon, are often being tasked with shutdown duties against the most dangerous forward line on the enemy side.
“For Ras, I think what makes him a good player at that (defensive) end of the ice is the drive to win. He wants to be on the ice against key players,” said Heat head coach Ryan Huska. “When we need a goal, he wants the puck on his stick because he has the confidence and the belief he can help us generate. But when we’re protecting a lead, he wants to be the guy on the ice again because he knows in his heart and his mind that he can get the job done.
“That will to win and being prepared to do whatever he needs to do to see that happen, I think that’s what has made him excel this year and allowed him to take the steps he has taken.”
For Andersson, the next step is NHL full-timer.
Scouts have always been smitten with his smarts and offensive instincts and it’s undoubtedly a good sign that he seems to take so much pride in his shutdown work, too.
“This year, every time I’ve been out there, it’s been against the top lines,” Andersson said after Monday’s morning skate in Arizona. “It’s fun. It’s kind of exciting. I like getting under people’s skin and just play greasy hockey, but at the same time skilled hockey. Play with poise. Play with confidence.
“It’s a challenge every time you go out there. You have to play a little greasy. You have to make some plays. You have to put up some numbers. You have to do a little bit of everything if you’re going to play against the top lines.”
That apparently includes a bit of badmouthing.
And when the opponents talk back?
“That’s the best part of it, when they try to get under my skin,” Andersson said, his grin growing. “That’s when you know you kind of have them. That’s when you just have to keep going.”
Flames puck-stopping prospect Nick Schneider, fresh off a recordsetting campaign with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, will report to the Heat after his junior club missed the playoffs. The 20-year-old Schneider left his name in the Hitmen history books, eclipsing a hat trick of previous franchise records — most games played (61), most minutes (3,491) and most saves (1,651) by a masked man in a single season. He’ll serve as the third-stringer in Stockton.