NHL insider Elliotte Friedman just confirms it for Rasmus Andersson

But Elliotte Friedman cooled that down with one simple confirmation, Andersson is playing for Calgary today. If he is in the Flames lineup, the trade is obviously not finalized yet.

That matters because the entire Bruins angle has been built on timing and leverage. When a player is still dressing for his current team, it usually means there is still a gap to close.

As a fan, it feels like the rumor balloon just lost a little air, even if the story is not dead.

There is also real risk baked into this decision. If Calgary is actively shopping Andersson and he gets hurt during a game, it can dent value, delay a deal, or force a messier return.

Wes Gilbertson framed it as poker by Flames general manager Craig Conroy, basically a message that he is waiting on a better offer. That interpretation fits, because playing him signals Calgary is not desperate.

From a pure hockey standpoint, you can see why teams keep calling. Andersson is 29, a right-shot defender, and he has 29 points in 47 games with a $4.55 million cap hit.

Those numbers are exactly why this is not just a random rumor weekend. If Boston wants a true top-four righty, this is the profile that changes your exits, your penalty kill minutes, and your ability to survive heavy forechecks.

For now, the takeaway is simple. Andersson playing today does not kill the trade talk, but it proves nothing is official yet, and it hints Calgary still believes the best bid has not arrived.

Also read on Boston Hockey Insider :
Recent report confirms the Boston Bruins have acquired star defenseman Rasmus Andersson