It’s a new year for Rasmus Andersson. Refreshing, even.
There’s no worrying from the Vegas Golden Knights defenseman on where he’s going to play this season. Or having to be asked about trade rumors every single day.
A relaxed Andersson is looking forward to his future in Las Vegas after signing a seven-year, $59.5 million extension with the Knights on July 1.
“Ever since I got traded here, I’ve loved it,” Andersson said at the Knights’ annual golf classic at TPC Summerlin on Tuesday. “Couldn’t be more happier. We really fell in love with the city, as well.”
Last season was a tumultuous one for Andersson, 29. He was in need of a fresh start after spending the first 10 years of his NHL career with the Calgary Flames. He wanted to compete for a Stanley Cup.
The Knights were at the top of Andersson’s desired list of new homes. He found his way there on Jan. 18 in exchange for defenseman Zach Whitecloud, two draft picks and prospect defenseman Abram Wiebe.
It can be argued Andersson never got up to speed with the Knights.
Shortly after arriving, he flew to Milan to represent Sweden in the Winter Olympics. He struggled to acclimate to his new team upon returning. But he finished strong with 11 points in the final 16 games.
In the playoffs, Andersson felt he defended better than he ever had. He sacrificed his offense, but it worked by making the Stanley Cup Final for the first time.
He played in the final with a heavy heart with the death of his agent and longtime friend Claude Lemieux before the series began.
“I think Rasmus will settle in and play a little more comfortably,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said on July 1. “We’d like to find the balance where he is pushing the pace more on offense while being responsible defensively.”
Andersson returns to a blue line that is mostly the same from the one that was two wins away from winning the Stanley Cup. That includes re-signing Jeremy Lauzon to a six-year, $24 million deal, as well.
The one change is Parker Wotherspoon, who comes from Pittsburgh following the offseason trade for Kaedan Korczak.
Andersson played with a different Wotherspoon before. Andersson was roommates and teammates with Wotherspoon’s older brother, Tyler, an AHL mainstay in Calgary.
“It feels like I kind of know him already a little bit because of his brother,” Andersson said. “Seems like a great guy. I met him now for the last few days, so excited to get to know him better.”
Andersson went home to Sweden after the season and took a well-deserved time away from hockey. There is pressure to perform with the new contract in tow, and to prove that what happened after his arrival was an aberration.
What’s gone is the pressure of the unknown, which impacted him in all phases last season. In its place comes trying to be the piece that helps the Knights get over the hump.
“It feels nice to not have that hanging over you, but I couldn’t be more excited that I’m here,” Andersson said. “It feels nice to be back and it’s nice to have that in the past and just look forward to the future.”
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
