Noah Hanifin is eagerly anticipating the chance to reunite with Rasmus Andersson as part of the Vegas Golden Knights, following their successful tenure together with the Calgary Flames over the past five years. The excitement building around Andersson’s anticipated arrival stems from a significant trade agreement with Calgary, although there is currently a hold-up regarding his immigration processing.
Hanifin, who has a deep understanding of Andersson’s abilities as a defenseman, expressed his confidence in the impactful addition to the Knights’ roster. He described Andersson as not only a talented player but also a great teammate with a strong work ethic. “He’s going to fit in really well here. He’s a great hockey player,” Hanifin remarked after a detailed discussion of about 20 minutes with Andersson following the trade.
Having spent years as an effective blue line duo, Hanifin and Andersson were known for their on-ice chemistry. Between the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons, they contributed to 126 goals while allowing just 96 against, making them one of the NHL’s most productive pairings. Their statistics reflect a defensive prowess, with Hanifin achieving a plus-27 and Andersson a career-high plus-30 in the 2022 season, although their metrics slightly decreased in the subsequent year and a half.
As Hanifin highlighted, Andersson’s style of play—a strong puck mover and skilled distributor—will greatly benefit the Golden Knights, especially given the team’s offensive capabilities. The transition for Andersson should be smooth as he is experienced in a similar zone-style defense that the Knights employ.
While it is currently uncertain if Andersson will be ready to skate with the team in their upcoming game against the Boston Bruins due to immigration delays, the Golden Knights’ management remains optimistic about integrating him well ahead of the trade deadline. This proactive approach allows time for Andersson to settle in and adapt to the team’s play style before the Winter Olympic break.
“He’s a gamer. He’s always engaged. He’s competitive,” Hanifin noted, emphasizing Andersson’s combination of offensive talent and hard-nosed defensive play. This thoughtful addition aligns with the Golden Knights’ goals for the current season, as they strive to enhance their defense and leverage their offensive potential. With several games ahead to build team chemistry, both Hanifin and the Golden Knights are hopeful for the contributions that Andersson will bring to their lineup.