With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, the Calgary Flames find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Barring a dramatic turnaround, their playoff hopes are all but extinguished, which makes this the perfect time to lean into a rebuild and stockpile assets. They’ve already started the process by moving Rasmus Andersson, but there are still a handful of veterans on the roster who could bring in significant returns.
Names like MacKenzie Weegar, Nazem Kadri, and Blake Coleman have been swirling in trade conversations all season. Even Zach Whitecloud has popped up as a potential trade chip. And while salary cap gymnastics always complicate deadline deals, one team that’s uniquely positioned to make a splash is the Carolina Hurricanes.
Let’s break down why the Hurricanes might be the perfect trade partner for Calgary - and what each side has to gain.
Carolina’s Cap Flexibility Is a Game-Changer
Unlike most contenders who are up against the cap ceiling, Carolina is sitting in a rare position of financial strength. Thanks to smart cap management and a bit of luck, the Hurricanes currently have over $25 million in space - and that number could climb to north of $40 million by the time the deadline hits, per Puckpedia.
That kind of flexibility opens the door for some serious moves. Carolina could comfortably absorb the contracts of several Flames veterans:
- Nazem Kadri: $7 million AAV through 2028-29
- Blake Coleman: $4.9 million AAV through 2026-27
- MacKenzie Weegar: $6.25 million AAV through 2030-31
- Zach Whitecloud: $2.75 million AAV through 2027-28
Not many contenders can take on even one of those deals, let alone multiple. But Carolina can - and if they want to solidify their status as a legitimate Cup threat, this is the time to do it.
Kadri Could Fill a Key Need - But There’s a Catch
According to recent analysis, the Hurricanes are in the market for a second-line center. That’s where Kadri enters the conversation.
On paper, the fit makes sense. He brings playoff experience, grit, and a history of offensive production.
But there’s a wrinkle: Kadri reportedly has Carolina on his 13-team no-trade list.
Now, that doesn’t mean a deal is off the table. Players have waived no-trade clauses before when the destination offers a real shot at a championship.
And make no mistake - Carolina is firmly in that conversation. But it’s a hurdle that needs to be cleared.
There’s also the matter of Kadri’s production this season. He’s taken a step back in 2025-26, with just 10 goals and 39 points through 56 games - a pace that would leave him well short of last year’s 35-goal, 67-point campaign.
That dip could impact his trade value, but the Flames are reportedly still aiming high. Think something in the range of what Colorado gave up for Brock Nelson last year: a top prospect, a first-round pick, and more.
Coleman and Weegar: Depth and Experience
While Kadri would address a specific need, Coleman and Weegar offer different kinds of value. Coleman may not be a perfect fit for Carolina’s current forward group, but his playoff pedigree and ability to contribute at five-on-five make him an intriguing depth piece. He’s the kind of player who can tilt a playoff series with an important goal or a key penalty kill.
Weegar, meanwhile, could bolster an already strong blue line. Even though he’s had a rocky 2025-26, he’s still capable of logging top-four minutes and bringing a physical edge. The Hurricanes were reportedly interested in Andersson before he was dealt, so it’s not far-fetched to think they’d kick the tires on Weegar too.
What Carolina Can Offer in Return
If Calgary’s looking to restock the cupboard - especially at center - Carolina’s prospect pool may not be the perfect match. Their top center prospect, Ivan Ryabkin, hasn’t exactly lit it up in the AHL, with just seven points in 25 games. He’s since moved to the QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders, where he’s looked more comfortable, but he’s still a work in progress.
The Canes’ real strength lies in their wingers and defense prospects. Bradley Nadeau headlines that group, with Nikita Artamonov and Felix Unger Sörum also drawing attention. On the blue line, Dominik Badinka has shown flashes in the AHL, posting five goals and nine points in 40 games.
When it comes to draft capital, Carolina has options. They hold Dallas’ first-round pick this year, plus additional picks in the mid-to-late rounds.
Looking ahead, they’ve got two first-rounders in 2028 and multiple third-round picks in 2027. That kind of draft flexibility could help them sweeten a deal without gutting their core.
A Deal Makes Sense - If the Price Is Right
There’s a clear path for these two franchises to come together on a deal. Calgary wants to kickstart a rebuild and needs to add young talent, especially down the middle. Carolina, meanwhile, has the cap space, the need, and the assets to make a move that could push them over the top.
Whether it’s Kadri, Coleman, Weegar, or even Whitecloud, the Flames have pieces that fit. The question now is whether the Hurricanes are ready to pay the price - and whether the players involved are ready to make the leap.
With the deadline looming, don’t be surprised if these two teams find themselves deep in talks. There’s a deal to be made. It’s just a matter of when - and how bold Carolina is willing to be.