Rasmus Andersson 021823

CALGARY --Rasmus Andersson said he's "lucky to be alive" after he was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter in Detroit on Feb. 8.

The 26-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman was hit while he was going through a crosswalk on his way to dinner. He was then taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital for tests before being released.
"I'm not going to lie … it was traumatic and it was scary and all that kind of stuff," Andersson said.
Andersson remained with the Flames for the final three games of their road trip but did not play.
"It was a tough couple days there, especially because I don't really know what happened still," Andersson said. "You're on your way to one place and you wake up in an ambulance. … I'm just thankful for the Detroit hospital. They did a really good job.
"I was in an MRI machine before I could even say what my name was. I'm grateful for everyone who works at the Detroit hospital. It was traumatic for me, my wife, my family, and everyone."
Andersson returned to the ice in a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Thursday, getting an assist in 19:49 of ice time.
"Just last game, you think about all the stuff that has happened, I was probably a little too cautious in some situations and that kind of stuff," Andersson said. "But I feel better and better each day that goes by.
"I was cleared on Wednesday from all the doctors. Even if my first game was today, I think I was still going to be a little extra cautious. When you get the first game out of the way you know you're fine."
After getting an assist in a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers at home Saturday, Andersson is tied with Mikael Backlund for fifth on the Flames, and first among defensemen, with 36 points (seven goals, 29 assists) in 53 games. He also leads Calgary in average ice time per game (24:32).
"He's real good offensively, but he's good at big times and big moments in the game," Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin said. "He's had a few of those kind of game-changing plays throughout the year, and that's something you need on the team. I think with just the minutes he plays and he's so good at 200 feet, he's a smart player and kind of brings that whole package, and he's super valuable to our team."