Is a Calgary Flames Roster Shake-Up on the Horizon?
With the NHL Trade Deadline just around the corner on March 6, eyes are turning toward Calgary, where the Flames may be gearing up for more than just a minor tweak. After already moving defenseman Rasmus Andersson, the sense around the league is that this could be just the beginning of a broader sell-off in Calgary.
Nazem Kadri’s name is surfacing more and more in trade chatter, and while nothing is guaranteed, there’s reason to believe the Flames are open for business-if the offer is right. Kadri has reportedly let the team know he’s willing to be moved under the right circumstances. That includes a list of teams he’d be open to joining, giving Calgary some flexibility if the market heats up.
But Kadri isn’t the only name being floated. Blake Coleman and MacKenzie Weegar are also generating interest, and while those deals would be more complex given term and cap implications, they’re not off the table. Then there’s Ryan Lomberg, a pending unrestricted free agent who’s quietly drawn attention from teams looking to add grit and energy to their bottom six.
The Flames aren’t approaching this deadline as a one-and-done operation. The Andersson deal may have been the first domino, but all signs point to Calgary having more moves in mind as they look to reshape their roster-not just for the rest of this season, but with an eye toward the future.
Minnesota Wild Searching for a Center with Term
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the Wild are on the hunt for a center-and not just a rental. The front office is reportedly focused on acquiring a top-six pivot with term left on his deal, someone who can help now and stick around to be part of the long-term core.
One name that keeps coming up is Vincent Trocheck. While it’s unclear how deep any conversations have gone, Trocheck fits the mold: a skilled, two-way center with term and experience. There’s also a connection there-Wild GM Bill Guerin has familiarity with Trocheck from their time with USA Hockey, which could help grease the wheels if talks progress.
But Trocheck isn’t the only name on Minnesota’s radar. Charlie Coyle has been mentioned as a possible fit, especially with the Wild monitoring Columbus for potential moves. Coyle, currently on a hot streak, could be a valuable addition if the price is right.
Other potential targets include Ryan O’Reilly and Brayden Schenn-both veterans with playoff pedigree and leadership qualities. O’Reilly’s situation in Nashville might be trickier, especially given the divisional rivalry and the Predators’ reluctance to deal him without a significant return. Schenn, on the other hand, could be more attainable and still bring a lot to a playoff-contending lineup.
The next couple of weeks will be telling. As teams decide whether to hold onto key players or cash in before free agency, Minnesota will be watching closely. If the right center becomes available-and the price is reasonable-expect the Wild to be in the mix.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, both Calgary and Minnesota are teams to keep an eye on. One may be selling, the other buying, but both are poised to make moves that could reshape their rosters for the stretch run and beyond.