As the NHL pauses for the Olympic break, the trade deadline looms large-and for the Calgary Flames, that means decisions are coming fast. With the team shifting gears toward a longer-term rebuild, the focus is firmly on the future.
Veterans are being evaluated, young talent is emerging, and the front office is listening closely to calls. One name that’s now making its way into the rumor mill?
MacKenzie Weegar.
It’s a surprising development on the surface. Just a year ago, the idea of the Flames parting ways with Weegar would’ve seemed outlandish.
But here we are. After months of speculation, Calgary finally moved on from Rasmus Andersson, and now the attention is turning to other veterans like Blake Coleman, Nazem Kadri-and, increasingly, Weegar.
So why would Calgary even consider moving their top defenseman? Let’s break it down.
The Case For Trading Weegar
This isn’t about Weegar’s ability-he’s still the Flames’ best blueliner, even in what’s been a down year by his standards. He’s a smart, physical defender who can contribute offensively and drive play at both ends.
That kind of player doesn’t grow on trees, and teams with playoff aspirations know it. Even without putting up his best numbers, Weegar would draw serious interest from contenders.
He’s under contract for the long haul, and he’s not showing signs of decline. That makes him a valuable asset.
But value is a two-way street. And the Flames are in a situation where they have to think about roster construction, not just talent.
Calgary’s pipeline on the right side of the defense is suddenly looking crowded-and promising. Hunter Brzustewicz has taken a major step forward this season.
He’s shown poise, physicality, and a solid understanding of the game, even in limited minutes. Zayne Parekh, who recently returned from a significant injury, looks every bit like the real deal.
At just 19, he’s already showing flashes of elite skill and confidence with the puck. If he keeps trending upward, he could become the most dynamic player on the roster.
With Brzustewicz and Parekh pushing for full-time roles next season, and Zach Whitecloud still in the mix, the Flames could face a logjam on the right side. That puts Weegar in an interesting spot. If the front office is committed to giving the kids more ice time-and if they see Whitecloud as part of the long-term plan-then moving Weegar becomes a more realistic, if not necessary, option.
And let’s be honest: if the Flames are offered a strong return, it’s something they’ll have to consider. Teams don’t often get a chance to trade from a position of strength with a player like Weegar. If the right offer comes along, it could accelerate the rebuild.
The Case Against Trading Weegar-At Least Right Now
But here’s the flip side. Trading Weegar might make sense on paper, but timing is everything in the NHL-and right now, the timing might not be right.
The Flames already moved on from Andersson, a longtime core piece and locker room leader. That kind of departure, even when expected, leaves a mark.
Weegar has filled a similar role since arriving in 2022. He’s not just a top-pair defenseman; he’s a presence in the room, a mentor to younger players, and someone who’s helped shape the team’s culture.
Yes, he’s having his worst season as a Flame. And no, he hasn’t had a consistent partner on the blue line in almost two years.
But that doesn’t mean he’s lost his value. If anything, moving him now-while his numbers are down-could mean selling low.
That’s not how you maximize an asset, especially one signed to a long-term deal and still capable of anchoring a top-four unit.
Weegar’s leadership is especially important with a wave of young defensemen coming up. Parekh, Brzustewicz, and eventually Henry Mews will all benefit from having a veteran like Weegar around.
He’s already built a strong connection with Parekh, mentoring him since his late-season call-up last year. That kind of mentorship is hard to quantify, but it matters-especially in a rebuild.
If the Flames are serious about developing their young core the right way, they’ll need veterans who can guide the next generation. Weegar fits that mold.
He’s been through the grind, played on competitive teams, and knows what it takes to succeed in this league. That’s not something you replace easily.
Looking Ahead: Balancing the Present and the Future
This all comes down to a delicate balance. Calgary is clearly prioritizing the future, and that’s the right call.
They’re giving their young players opportunities, and they’re open to moving veterans for the right return. That’s how rebuilds work.
But a rebuild doesn’t mean gutting the roster of every experienced player. You still need leaders.
You still need guys who can set the tone, both on and off the ice. Weegar is one of those guys.
And unless a team comes calling with an offer that’s too good to pass up, Calgary might be better off keeping him around-at least for now.
Down the road, maybe the calculus changes. Maybe in a year or two, when the young defensemen have found their footing and the team is closer to contention, it makes more sense to move Weegar. But right now, his value to the Flames extends beyond what he brings on the ice.
The Flames are building something new. And while the youth movement is the priority, having a steady hand like Weegar guiding the way could be just as important as any draft pick or prospect.
The trade deadline is coming. The calls are happening. But when it comes to MacKenzie Weegar, the Flames have to ask themselves not just what they’d get in return-but what they’d lose by letting him go.