Flames Weigh Future of Kadri and Coleman Amid Rebuild
The Calgary Flames are at a crossroads, and after moving Rasmus Andersson, the next phase of their retooling process is already in motion. General Manager Craig Conroy is facing tough decisions as he looks to reshape the roster - and that includes the futures of veterans Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman.
Conroy didn’t give a firm yes or no when asked about the possibility of moving either player, which tells you a lot. “It’s a tough one,” he said.
“Because you don’t ever want to say in our job, it’s never going to happen. If there’s a deal out there that makes you better?
That could be anybody.”
Translation: nothing is off the table.
Kadri and Coleman are both under contract and have not requested trades, but that hasn’t stopped other teams from calling. And when you’re a team looking to get younger and stockpile draft picks, players like Kadri and Coleman - proven veterans with playoff resumes - tend to draw interest.
The Flames aren’t in full teardown mode, but they are clearly shifting toward a younger core. The key for Conroy is timing.
Does it make more sense to hang onto experienced leaders like Kadri and Coleman to mentor the next wave? Or do you strike while their value is high and bring in assets that fit the long-term vision?
Conroy kept it broad, saying the team is “just looking forward to make this team as competitive as we can as quickly as we can,” and that could mean keeping veterans or moving them. Either way, the trade deadline will be a telling moment for Calgary’s direction.
Penguins Eyeing Jason Robertson as Youth Movement Continues
In Pittsburgh, there’s growing buzz about a potential blockbuster - and it centers on Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. The Penguins, led by GM and President Kyle Dubas, are exploring ways to inject youth and scoring punch into an aging core, and Robertson checks every box.
The 24-year-old winger is the kind of player any team would covet. A dynamic scorer with size, vision, and a track record of production, Robertson is a restricted free agent this summer and could become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. If Dallas can’t lock him up long-term, it’s not hard to imagine a bidding war breaking out - and the Penguins are expected to be right in the thick of it.
Pittsburgh has the cap flexibility and the assets to make a serious offer. They didn’t go the offer sheet route - likely because the compensation would be too steep for a team not in full rebuild mode - but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the picture.
The key variable here is Dallas. GM Jim Nill has to decide whether he can get Robertson signed to a number that fits the Stars’ long-term plans. Robertson recently switched agents to Andy Scott, who also represents Mikko Rantanen and Thomas Harley - both of whom have gone through the extension process.
So, while nothing is imminent, this is a situation worth watching. If Robertson becomes available, Dubas and the Penguins will be ready to pounce.
Malkin Still Committed to Penguins, Eyes One More Run
While Pittsburgh explores its future, one of its most iconic players is focused on the present. Evgeni Malkin still wants to be a Penguin - and he’s not ready to hang up his skates just yet.
According to those close to the situation, Malkin’s agent is expected to meet with Kyle Dubas during the Olympic break to discuss what comes next. Malkin, now deep into his 30s, hasn’t indicated any desire to retire at season’s end. In fact, he’s made it clear he’d prefer to stay in Pittsburgh.
This could be his final season, or maybe not. But if Malkin has his way, he’ll finish his career where it started - alongside Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. That trio has defined the Penguins’ golden era, and there’s a sense that they could ride off into the sunset together, potentially on a series of one-year deals.
Malkin has seen what other veterans have done in chasing a Cup elsewhere - Brad Marchand’s run with Florida last year was certainly eye-catching - but the appeal of finishing his career in black and gold still outweighs any temptation to chase a ring in a different jersey.
For now, Malkin remains focused on the season at hand. But don’t be surprised if he’s back next year, still wearing the “A” and still playing a key role in the Penguins’ locker room.