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![\"Calgary](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/660004.webp\" "\\"Calgary")
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Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The price for the Toronto Maple Leafs to acquire defenseman Rasmus Andersson would have come at a major cost.<\/p>\n
For Andersson, Darren Dreger reports that the Flames apparently trade ask to the Leafs included top rookie Easton Cowan, along with two first round picks.<\/p>\n
Andersson, who was ultimately dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights at 50% retained, was moved for defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a first round pick, and conditional second round pick.<\/p>\n
A much lighter price for only a singular first, although the second can become a first, a B-tier prospect in Wiebe, and a solid defenseman in Whitecloud, Cowan and two firsts would be much more substantial.<\/p>\n
It’s unknown if retention was discussed between the two sides, but Dreger’s reporting indicates Toronto would have paid a much heftier return that what was ultimately given up by Vegas for Andersson.<\/p>\n
The Maple Leafs said no to Calgary\u2019s asking price and protected the most important young player in their rebuild <\/p>\n
Brad Treliving, who brought Andersson to Calgary while general manager of the Flames, was reported to have been active in trade talks for Andersson, the exact details having been unknown.<\/p>\n
Cowan, 20, had 11 goals, 18 assists, & 29 points in 66 games in his first season with Toronto, having gone from not making the initial roster to becoming an integral piece on the Leafs top-six.<\/p>\n
Having faced criticism from Leafs fans over the returns of their outgoing trade departures, moving Cowan may have ended up being the most unpopular of Treliving’s trade moves.<\/p>\n