The Calgary Flames are in an odd spot heading into the trade deadline. Under general manager (GM) Craig Conroy’s guidance, this season was supposed to be the start of a rebuild for the organization. Instead, the Flames sit narrowly ahead of the Vancouver Canucks for the second wild-card position in the Western Conference through 61 games.
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The question now becomes whether management looks to lock down a playoff spot or do what’s best for the future of the organization. The fanbase is mixed on the idea, with some hoping for a high draft pick this June, while others believe playoff experience will benefit the young talent on the roster.
The rest of the Flames’ season is in the hands of management. While they can’t guarantee a playoff spot, they could make some moves that would result in the team sliding down the standings. The Flames have several veteran players that should be in demand before the deadline and could be worth a pretty penny. Here are four veterans with term that the Flames could look to move ahead of the March 7 deadline.
Rasmus Andersson
The veteran whose name has come up the most in trade speculation this season is Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old isn’t having the best campaign, but he has a lengthy track record of being an extremely dependable top-four defenceman. He also carries a cap hit of just $4.55 million, which makes him even more valuable on the trade market.
The Flames don’t seem eager to trade Andersson. They are more interested in discussing an extension this offseason since he is locked up through 2025-26, meaning that if an extension can’t be worked out, they could move him next season. That said, the extra year on his deal will ensure a massive return if a trade is in the works before tomorrow’s deadline.
Blake Coleman
Following a career season in 2023-24 in which he scored 30 goals and 54 points, Blake Coleman’s totals have regressed to a more expected stat line. The 33-year-old sits with 12 goals and 29 points through 61 contests this season. Throughout his career, Coleman has been a dependable player at both ends of the ice. He provides solid secondary scoring, can shut things down defensively and checks well enough to be valuable as a bottom-six forward. He played an integral bottom-six role for the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021.
After winning that second Cup in 2021, Coleman chose to sign a six-year, $29.4 million deal with the Flames. He’s been a great fit both on the ice and in the locker room and still has two more seasons remaining on his deal. The Flames don’t need to move him, but they would net a solid return if they were to make him available.
Nazem Kadri
Nazem Kadri’s name has also been discussed in trade rumours throughout the season. The 34-year-old has recovered from a slow start to the campaign and is now tied with Jonathan Huberdeau for the team lead in points with 46.
Kadri continues to be a difference-maker offensively and would be a huge addition for any team with Stanley Cup aspirations. His $7 million cap hit, which continues through the 2028-29 season, might make teams hesitate, but he would have an undeniable immediate impact on any roster. He has full control over his future with a no-movement clause, but he might be willing to waive it for a shot at competing for another Stanley Cup ring.
MacKenzie Weegar
Had the Flames struggled this season, as most expected they would, MacKenzie Weegar’s name would have been discussed a lot more heading into the deadline. The 31-year-old has been the Flames’ best defenceman for the second-straight season and carries a very reasonable $6.25 million cap hit through 2030-31.
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Of the names on this list, Weegar is the least likely to be moved. Like Kadri, he holds full control with a no-trade clause. That said, he’s a player every team in the league would love to have and would draw in a massive haul for the Flames.
Exciting Day Ahead for the Flames
Whether or not the Flames make any moves ahead of the deadline, there will be a ton of speculation surrounding them and every other team over the next 24 hours. This group’s success may result in Conroy standing pat, though trading any of the four mentioned above would help add to what already looks to be a bright future in Calgary.
