The Calgary Flames aren’t done tinkering with their blue line just yet. After dealing Rasmus Andersson, the team brought in Zach Whitecloud from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the return - and now, all eyes are on what comes next. Whitecloud isn’t just a throw-in; he’s a player with real value, and the Flames are in a position where they can either keep him as a steadying presence or flip him again to further stockpile assets.
According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, Whitecloud’s name is already making the rounds in NHL circles. There’s interest - plenty of it. The real question is whether Calgary finds an offer that makes it worth moving him again.
Let’s break down why Whitecloud is suddenly such a hot commodity.
Why Whitecloud Has Trade Value Right Now
Start with the basics: Whitecloud is a right-shot defenseman with two years left on a team-friendly deal. That alone will get the attention of front offices around the league, especially in a cap-tight environment where every dollar matters.
He’s not going to run your power play or light up the scoresheet, but he plays hard, reliable minutes and doesn’t need offensive usage to justify his spot in the lineup. That’s the kind of plug-and-play defender contenders love to have in their back pocket come playoff time.
Off the ice, Whitecloud’s reputation only boosts his value. Friedman described him as “very easygoing” and “very friendly” - the type of guy who fits into a locker room without disrupting chemistry. That matters more than people think, especially for playoff-bound teams looking to add without throwing off the room’s balance.
From Calgary’s perspective, Whitecloud can absolutely help in the short term. But if the Flames are leaning into a longer-term retool, this could be the perfect window to flip him while his value is high and add another piece to the growing pile of future assets.
Boston Bruins: A Logical Fit
One team to keep an eye on? The Boston Bruins.
They were reportedly deep in the mix for Andersson and had a deal ready to go - contingent on an extension. That didn’t happen, but the interest remains.
While Whitecloud doesn’t bring the same offensive ceiling or name recognition, he does check a lot of the same boxes Boston tends to prioritize.
The Bruins love steady, right-shot defenders who can move the puck, defend their zone, and play within a structured system. Whitecloud fits that mold. Add in his affordable contract and term, and he becomes an even more attractive option for a team trying to balance its current contention window with long-term cap flexibility.
For Calgary, Boston could be a trade partner that brings value - but likely not in the form of a top-tier prospect. Think draft picks or younger roster players with upside. Still, that might align perfectly with what the Flames are trying to build.
Detroit Red Wings: Depth for a Team on the Rise
The Detroit Red Wings are another team that makes sense here. They’ve been trending upward and have made it clear they’re looking to take the next step toward becoming a playoff mainstay. Adding a player like Whitecloud wouldn’t be a splashy move, but it would be a smart one.
He wouldn’t be asked to carry the load - that’s Moritz Seider’s job - but Whitecloud could solidify the second or third pair, giving Detroit more options and stability as the games get tighter down the stretch. And don’t underestimate the value of playoff experience. Whitecloud’s time in Vegas, including deep postseason runs, adds a layer of composure that can rub off on a young group still learning how to win when it matters most.
From Calgary’s angle, Detroit’s deep prospect pipeline and stash of draft picks offer flexibility. If the Flames want to keep salary clean and focus on futures, the Red Wings could be a clean, no-fuss fit.
San Jose Sharks: A Rebuild with Room for Value
Then there’s San Jose - a team that might not jump out at first glance but still deserves a mention. The Sharks are deep into a rebuild, but that doesn’t mean they’re ignoring the present. In fact, Whitecloud could be a smart add for a few reasons.
First, the Sharks are working hard to reshape their culture and give their young players a more structured environment. Whitecloud, known for his professionalism and locker room presence, fits that mission.
Second, his contract gives the Sharks options. They could hold onto him as a stabilizer or flip him again down the road, potentially recouping even more value at a future trade deadline.
For Calgary, a deal with San Jose would likely focus on higher-end picks or long-term prospects rather than NHL-ready talent. That could be exactly what the Flames are looking for if they decide to go all-in on the retool.
Timing Is Everything
So what’s next? That’s the million-dollar question.
The interest in Whitecloud is real - that much is clear. But whether the Flames decide to move him now or wait until closer to the deadline depends on the offers they get and how they see their own timeline unfolding.
Holding onto Whitecloud doesn’t mean the door is closed. In fact, a strong stretch of play could boost his value even further. But if Calgary wants to capitalize on the momentum of the Andersson trade and turn it into a broader shift, moving Whitecloud now could be the next logical step.
This is what happens when a team commits to reshaping its identity. One trade leads to another possibility, and suddenly, a player like Zach Whitecloud becomes a key piece in a much bigger puzzle. Whether he stays or goes, his presence is already shaping the next phase of the Flames’ evolution.