Flames’ Andersson Hit By Vehicle In Motor City, Won’t Play Red Wings

The fact Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson was hit by a vehicle in the Motor City Wednesday ahead of the team's game against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night is both ironic and unfortunate. It's also fitting, considering the way the Flames' season has played out so far. 

It has been a tumultuous tug on an emotional level since the drama began in training camp. From disappointing prospects to fan outrage — also often over prospects — to the mystery surrounding Oliver Kylington's season-long absence and the resulting amplification in NHL trade deadline chatter, the Flames have been a point of conversation. 

Andersson's situation, thankfully, seems to be fairly minor. Although there aren't many details about where or how the 26-year-old blueliner was struck while riding a scooter to dinner on Wednesday, Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving spoke about the positive piece of the story in an interview with those in Detroit. 

"The good news — and the most important thing — is that Ras is doing well," Treliving said. "He's doing well. In good spirits. We're lucky, very lucky. It certainly could have been a lot worse. We want to make sure that we thank all those involved (in his care) and let everybody know that Ras is doing well."

Obviously, Andersson is sitting out Thursday's contest, the Flames' second game on a four-game road trip through the Eastern Conference. He was taken by ambulance to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he spent the night under observation as the hospital and team medical staff consulted about his condition.

Treliving thanked the medical staff there but didn't offer a timeline for Andersson's possible return outside of seeing what may come before Saturday's matinee in Buffalo. 

"We're going to see how things go over the next 24 hours and go from there," Treliving said. 

With NHL trade talk connecting the Calgary Flames to Luke Schenn of the Vancouver Canucks will likely pick up steam now. Chris Tanev has battled injuries all year, and the top four our five guys on the back end have played a lot of minutes during his absences. 

Dennis Gilbert was called up from the AHL Calgary Wranglers earlier this week. He or Connor Mackey should draw into the lineup while Andersson is sidelined.