The Dallas Stars are keeping an eye on ways to bolster their forward depth, and one name that’s surfaced in the mix is Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman. According to reports, Dallas has “checked in” on the veteran forward as Calgary continues to explore trade options amid what looks like the early stages of a roster reset.
Coleman, 34, isn’t just another name on the market-he’s a proven playoff performer with a reputation for relentless forechecking and defensive accountability. He built that identity during his back-to-back Stanley Cup runs with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, where he played a crucial role in shutting down top lines while still chipping in offensively. During the 2020 postseason alone, he racked up 13 points in 25 games and finished with a plus-6 rating-numbers that underscore his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.
That postseason pedigree is exactly what makes him an intriguing fit for a Dallas team that’s been knocking on the door for years. The Stars have reached the Western Conference Final in three straight seasons but haven’t quite been able to push through to the Stanley Cup Final. Adding a player like Coleman, who brings a mix of grit, versatility, and playoff seasoning, could be the kind of move that nudges them closer to that elusive breakthrough.
So far this season, Coleman has tallied eight goals and three assists through 27 games. That projects to a 33-point pace-solid production, especially considering his primary value lies in his two-way game and ability to elevate in the postseason. Just last year, he posted a career-best 30 goals and 54 points with Calgary, showing he still has the offensive upside to contribute meaningfully in a middle-six role.
For Dallas, Coleman would likely slot into that middle-six group, where his defensive reliability and high motor would complement the team’s existing core. He’s the kind of player who can kill penalties, match up against top forwards, and still chip in timely goals-essentially, the type of playoff glue guy every contender wants come spring.
Now, from a trade standpoint, the situation is interesting. Coleman’s contract-he’s in the midst of a six-year, $29.4 million deal signed in 2021-comes with a notable cap hit, and Calgary’s direction suggests they’re open to offloading veterans as they pivot toward a rebuild.
That could work in Dallas’ favor. If the Flames are motivated to move Coleman, the acquisition cost might not be sky-high.
A mid-round draft pick could potentially get a deal done, especially if both sides are looking to move quickly.
It’s not a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of savvy, under-the-radar addition that can pay real dividends when the games start to matter most. And for a Stars team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations, adding a battle-tested winger like Coleman might be the kind of edge they need.