There’s a handshake agreement in place. The question is whether it holds up until July.
Rasmus Andersson made it clear he wants to stay in Vegas. The Golden Knights made it equally clear they want him back. But with free agency two weeks away, there’s no signed contract yet. And that’s starting to feel like something worth watching.
The 29-year-old defenseman landed in Vegas at the trade deadline after nine seasons in Calgary. He hadn’t played a playoff game since 2022. Then he went to the Stanley Cup Final with the Golden Knights. They lost in six games to Carolina, but Andersson was a key piece on the second pairing next to Noah Hanifin the whole way.
What’s the holdup?
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the two sides shook hands on a new contract back when Vegas acquired him from the Flames. But Pagnotta also reports there’s nothing official yet. He still expects something to get finalized by the end of June. The exact terms of a long-term deal remain unclear.
That kind of uncertainty tends to make fans nervous. And if talks fall apart, Andersson becomes one of the top defensemen available on the open market. That’s leverage for him, but also a real risk for the Knights.
Andersson told reporters after the Final loss that he’s fully bought in.
“I’ve loved everything about Vegas, and I’ve really enjoyed being here,” he said. “I would love to come back, and I would love to work with (GM Kelly McCrimmon) and find a solution. We were this close to winning.”
The bigger picture for Vegas
It’s not just about Andersson. If he re-signs, the Golden Knights bring back their entire top-four defensemen. Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb and Hanifin are all under contract for at least one more year. That’s a hell of a core to keep together after a Cup Final run.
Andersson put up 17 goals and 47 points in 81 games this season between Calgary and Vegas. He added six assists in 22 playoff games. Those numbers aren’t flashy, but his value was more about stability than scoring.
Vegas gave up significant assets to get him at the deadline. Letting him walk for nothing would be a tough look. So everything points toward a deal getting done. But until ink hits paper, it’s just a handshake.
And in this league, handshakes don’t always hold.
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