With just over six weeks to go until the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the Calgary Flames find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. After shipping defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Flames may not be done dealing. Two names that continue to generate buzz: Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri.
Let’s start with Kadri. The veteran center is in the fourth year of a seven-year deal carrying a $7 million cap hit-a contract that makes him a bit more complex to move, especially if salary retention becomes a factor.
But that hasn’t stopped contenders from calling. According to league insiders, teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montréal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and Dallas Stars have all expressed interest.
And it’s not just background chatter. Flames GM Craig Conroy has reportedly been in active discussions with Kadri’s camp.
Now, that doesn’t mean a deal is imminent-Kadri is said to be committed to doing what’s best for the Flames-but the 33-year-old also has his eyes on chasing another Stanley Cup. That dual motivation could be the catalyst for movement if the right opportunity presents itself.
Kadri brings a lot to the table for playoff-bound teams. He’s a proven second-line center with a physical edge and playoff pedigree.
He can drive offense, win faceoffs, and get under opponents’ skin-exactly the kind of player who can tilt a postseason series. But with three years left on his deal after this season, any acquiring team would need to be confident in his long-term fit, or hope Calgary is willing to eat some salary-something that’s not typically done with that much term remaining.
Then there’s Blake Coleman, whose situation is a little different. While his name has surfaced in trade speculation, the Flames aren’t necessarily looking to move him.
In fact, they value him highly within the locker room. He’s a leader, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, and a player who embodies the kind of work ethic and versatility that coaches love.
But let’s be real-every player has a price. And Coleman’s value on the market is high.
He’s a reliable goal scorer, plays a responsible two-way game, and is on a team-friendly contract. Add in the possibility of salary retention, and you’ve got a player who could draw significant interest from playoff teams looking to shore up their middle six.
GM Craig Conroy has made it clear he’s not closing the door on anything. When asked about Coleman and Kadri following the Andersson trade, he called it “a tough one,” acknowledging that while the Flames are open to keeping their veterans, they’re also listening.
The organization is clearly in a transitional phase-looking to get younger, build for the future, and reshape the roster. That means every veteran with value is at least a conversation.
For Coleman, the decision may come down to timing and offers. If a team comes calling with a package too good to pass up, Calgary could pull the trigger.
But don’t expect them to force a move. This one could go right down to the wire.
As for Kadri, the path is a little more complicated. His contract and age make him a trickier piece to move, but the interest is real-and in the right situation, he could be a difference-maker for a team with Cup aspirations.
The Flames aren’t rushing into anything, but the phones are ringing. And with March 6 fast approaching, the next few weeks could define the direction of this franchise for seasons to come.