As the Calgary Flames move past their recent trade of Rasmus Andersson, attention turns to potential roster changes before the trade deadline. With the Flames open to absorbing difficult contracts, key players like Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri have emerged as possible trade candidates. General manager Craig Conroy may soon face offers that are too good to decline as the team looks to shape its future lineup.
Could a Swap Between Calgary and Edmonton Happen?
Former Flame Andrew Mangiapane is enduring a tough season with the Edmonton Oilers, managing only six goals and twelve points across forty-nine games. Mangiapane remains under contract for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Calgary’s Yegor Sharangovich has tallied eleven goals and twenty points in fifty-two games and is in the second year of a five-year deal. Exchanging Sharangovich’s longer, costlier contract for Mangiapane’s shorter, cheaper one appears logical.
However, the Flames’ final contract retention slot may be prioritized for Nazem Kadri rather than Sharangovich, limiting the Flames’ willingness to make such a trade. Still, this exchange would free a roster spot, enabling one of Calgary’s younger prospects to step into the lineup sooner.
Blake Coleman Potentially Heading to Carolina Hurricanes
The Flames are now positioned to take on challenging contracts, continuing a strategic rebuilding phase. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, currently halfway through an eight-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, has seen a steep decline in his performance, recording only two goals and nine points in thirty-six games. Several NHL teams, including the Hurricanes, have shown interest in Blake Coleman, indicating that Carolina might pursue this trade aggressively as the deadline approaches.
Given the Flames’ capacity to absorb such contracts, acquiring Coleman could come with an added benefit: a first-round draft pick in 2027. This potential asset makes a deal with Carolina appealing as Calgary seeks to bolster its future talent pool.
Ryan Lomberg’s Possible Return to Florida
Ryan Lomberg has frequently been scratched from the Flames’ lineup this season, with numerous players awaiting chances to secure consistent roles. Given Calgary’s depth and Lomberg’s limited playing time, a return to Florida seems like a natural next step. This move would also relieve the Flames of an underutilized roster spot as they continue to develop emerging talent.
Creating More Space on Calgary’s Defence
The trade involving Rasmus Andersson could prove even more beneficial if Calgary manages to move Zach Whitecloud before the deadline. The Flames’ defensive lineup has recently opened up, aided by trades like those sending Andersson and Jeremie Poirier elsewhere. Moving Whitecloud would continue this trend and provide additional roster flexibility.
Mackenzie Weegar’s Future with the Flames
Once seen as an essential leader, Mackenzie Weegar has struggled during the current season, causing doubts about his contract’s remaining years. Despite the discomfort this prospect raises among fans, the Flames could consider trading him if the return includes a high-value asset like a first-round pick in 2026.
This kind of draft capital would be difficult to refuse, especially as the Flames have demonstrated strong drafting ability under Craig Conroy’s leadership and aim to accumulate assets to build a competitive roster.
The trade deadline presents a critical opportunity for the Flames to recalibrate their roster, balancing the absorption of challenging contracts with the acquisition of draft picks and younger players. Moves involving players like Coleman, Kadri, and Weegar could significantly influence Calgary’s trajectory, while roster adjustments on defence and forward lines will be instrumental in shaping the team’s competitiveness for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Bob Stauffer: It's expected Blake Coleman's gonna get moved…?
Elliotte Friedman: Yeah, I think so; he's got only a 10 team trade [list]; I think Calgary's kinda told him…one of those teams comes with something they can't say no to, they'll do it
– Oilers Now (2/3)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 4, 2026
