The Calgary Flames made a big move over the weekend, as they traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. This was after Andersson was one of the top trade candidates in the NHL for several months.
One of the pieces that the Flames got back for Andersson is defenseman Zach Whitecloud. It makes sense that Whitecloud was included in this deal, as he helped make it work financially. In addition, Calgary needed another right-shot defenseman since they were parting ways with Andersson.
Yet, while Whitecloud is the newest player on the Flames, he is starting to create chatter as a potential trade candidate for Calgary.
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Whitecloud is already generating interest from other clubs after being acquired by Calgary.
“Soon after word spread that the Flames moved Andersson, several teams reached out to Calgary GM Craig Conroy about defenceman Zach Whitecloud, whom he acquired from the Knights and has two years left on his deal at a very appealing $2.75 million cap hit,” Pagnotta wrote.
Flames’ Whitecloud Could Be a Nice Addition for a Contender
With the trade market for right-shot defensemen not being the strongest, it is entirely understandable that teams are already expressing interest in Whitecloud to the Flames. He would have the potential to be a strong pickup for a contender looking to improve the right side of their blueline. This is because he is a solid bottom-pairing defenseman who plays a steady game, kills penalties, and isn’t afraid to throw the body.
Whitecloud’s playoff experience certainly adds to his appeal as well. The 29-year-old defenseman has played in 78 career playoff games and also, of course, won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023.
It will be very interesting to see what the Flames end up doing with Whitecloud ahead of the trade deadline. With the 6-foot-2 defenseman having multiple years left on his contract, Calgary does not need to rush a move centering around him.
In 48 games this season split between the Golden Knights and Flames, Whitecloud has recorded two goals, seven points, 66 blocks, and 74 hits.
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