Flames Fielding Calls: Andersson Drawing Heavy Interest, Kadri and Coleman Situational
The Calgary Flames aren’t exactly hitting the reset button-but they’re definitely reshaping the roster. With the NHL’s trade deadline approaching and the Olympics on the horizon, Calgary is making it clear: they're open for business, but only at the right price.
At the center of the buzz is defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who’s not just on the trade block-he’s near the top of it. GM Craig Conroy isn’t shopping Andersson out of desperation.
This is about long-term planning, about getting younger, faster, and more flexible without blowing the whole thing up. And if the return is right, Andersson could be the first major domino to fall.
Andersson: A Hot Commodity on the Blue Line
Andersson’s value isn’t hard to see. He’s a right-shot defenseman who can log big minutes, quarterback a power play, and hold his own in his own zone. That kind of versatility doesn’t come cheap, and the Flames know it.
Multiple teams are circling. League chatter points to the Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings as particularly interested parties.
Calgary’s front office has been described as “more aggressive” recently, with an eye toward getting a deal done before the Olympic break. That timeline has teams on alert, and the urgency is starting to build.
Boston, in particular, appears to be pushing. Sources indicate the Bruins have made an offer that includes promising young defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick. And they’ve got another first-rounder in their back pocket from the Brandon Carlo trade with Toronto-ammunition that could make a deal happen.
Detroit, meanwhile, is reportedly only in the mix if a long-term contract is part of the package. And while they’ve got the assets to make a splash, the Red Wings are drawing a hard line on top prospects like Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin Pellikka-both considered untouchable.
Kadri: Situation-Dependent
Then there’s Nazem Kadri, a player who could be on the move-but only under the right circumstances. If Calgary gets the return they want for Andersson and finds a strong market for Kadri, Conroy might decide that’s enough movement for now. Kadri’s name has come up in conversations, but there’s no indication a deal is imminent.
Kadri’s situation is more complex. He brings leadership, playoff experience, and a physical edge that teams covet in the postseason. But he also comes with a significant contract, which could limit the number of serious suitors.
Coleman: Culture Keeper
Blake Coleman is the third name getting attention, but a trade here feels less likely. Teams have called, and there’s interest-but unless Calgary is blown away, don’t expect him to go anywhere.
Why? Because while the Flames are looking to retool, they’re also trying to maintain a strong locker room culture.
Coleman is seen as a key part of that. He’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a relentless forechecker, and a respected voice in the room.
As one league source put it, “You can’t trade everybody. You’ve got to have a backbone to the culture side of your team, and Coleman is definitely that.”
Other Teams in the Mix
Beyond the big three of Ottawa, Boston, and Detroit, several other clubs are monitoring the situation. The Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, and Dallas Stars have all shown interest in Andersson as well, though the level of engagement varies.
Vegas is always lurking when top-end talent is available, and Dallas could be looking to bolster their blue line for a deep playoff run. Anaheim, on the other hand, is still in the midst of a rebuild, but a player like Andersson-under contract and still in his prime-could be a foundational piece.
What’s Next?
The Flames aren’t tipping their hand, but the message is clear: they’re listening. If they can move Andersson for a haul that fits their vision, and maybe Kadri too, they’ll do it.
But they’re not rushing. They want quality over quantity, and they’re not about to tear down the core just for the sake of change.
In a Western Conference that’s as competitive as ever, Calgary is trying to thread the needle-retool on the fly, stay competitive, and build for the future. The next few weeks will tell us if they can pull it off.