Flames’ Rasmus Andersson returns against Red Wings after being hit by a car last week

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson will return to Calgary’s lineup Thursday against the Red Wings after being hit by a car in Detroit last week. Here’s what you need to know:

• Andersson was hit by a car around 6 p.m. ET on February 8 in Detroit while riding a scooter on his way to dinner. He was listed by the day after the incident and the team said he was “fine”.
• After being taken to a local hospital and subjected to tests, he was released last Wednesday night.
• The 26-year-old has played in all 51 games for Calgary this season and led the Flames with 15 power-play assists and 89 blocks.

Starting grid:

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Andersson will return after a week-long absence after being hit by a vehicle in Detroit last week.

— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) February 17, 2023

The Athletics instant analysis

What Andersson’s return means for Flames

The Flames finally get their best attacking defender after weeks of absence. He had played 323 straight games before the accident. He’s even allowed to return alongside his trusty defensive partner in Noah Hanifin. In the three games he missed, players like Hanifin and MacKenzie Weegar had to step in and try to close the gap offensively, whether it was on 5v5s or power plays. Even Dennis Gilbert, who is not in the lineup for Andersson’s return, was able to find the back of the net.

Emerging from their most recent road trip with just four points from a possible eight, the Flames will be eyeing the league lead from now on as they hope to make the playoffs. Andersson’s return will help their efforts. – McKenzie

backstory

Flames general manager Brad Treliving said Andersson was “walking across a crosswalk” when the incident happened.

“The good news – and most important – is that Ras is doing well,” Treliving previously said. “He was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital by ambulance.”

Treliving said last week that the team “would be taking this really slow… Nothing that we’re overly concerned about. But he was hit so we’ll see how things go over the next 24 hours and move on from there.

“I don’t want any speculation out there,” Treliving added. “There was no alcohol involved”

Flames forward Mikael Backlund said he and some teammates were waiting for Andersson over dinner when they heard the news. Backlund texted Andersson and then received a selfie saying he was fine.

“Hearing him say he’s fine makes you feel a lot better.”

“It’s obviously scary,” said defense attorney Noah Hanifin. “Being one of our teammates and getting the call and hearing something like that is something you as a player definitely dread. Luckily he seems to be doing well.”

(Photo: David Kirouac / USA Today)