The Calgary Flames have made it clear they will act as sellers as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6. Despite recent efforts, including winning three out of their last four games, the team remains near the bottom of the league standings with a 24-27-6 record. General manager Craig Conroy began reshaping the roster before the Olympic break by trading defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights and now faces the question of how many more players will be moved before the deadline passes.
As the Flames aim to rebuild, speculation intensifies about which players will be traded, with some members of the team appearing more likely to be on the move than others. Below is an overview of the Flames’ players currently generating the most trade discussions, ranked from those most to least likely to be dealt.
Most Probable Players to Be Traded Before March 6
1. Blake Coleman: Leading Candidate for Trade
Veteran forward Blake Coleman stands out as the player most expected to be traded. Now 34 and in the fifth year of a six-year contract, Coleman’s style and role no longer fit Calgary’s future plans despite his valuable leadership presence. This season, he has contributed 13 goals and 21 points. Coleman is an attractive option for potential buyers thanks to his secondary scoring ability, strong penalty killing skills, and experience winning two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. His combination of skill set and contract situation has generated strong interest around the league.
2. Ryan Lomberg: Role Player with Locker Room Value
Though not known for offensive impact, forward Ryan Lomberg is drawing calls from teams nevertheless. Lomberg’s greatest asset lies in his locker room presence, a trait that can prove important for clubs aiming for a deep playoff push. As the only player on the Flames roster who is a pending unrestricted free agent, it’s unlikely the Flames will re-sign him after this season. Despite Lomberg’s desire to stay in Calgary, the Flames are expected to seek some return before potentially letting him go.
3. Brayden Pachal: Depth Defenseman with Contract Appeal
Brayden Pachal has experienced a tough season, managing to participate in just 26 of the Flames’ 57 games so far. After offering reliable bottom-pairing defense last year, Pachal has struggled to secure regular ice time in 2025-26. Still, he holds value as an affordable depth option for a team looking to add to its defensive group, with a contract running through 2026-27 carrying a cap hit of only $1.187 million.
4. Nazem Kadri: Most Discussed Name Amid Contract Concerns
Among all Flames players, Nazem Kadri is the figure most frequently linked to trade talks. Recent reports indicate the 35-year-old center is interested in a move, making a trade seem inevitable, although it might not take place this season. Kadri remains under contract for three more years, which could deter other general managers concerned about the long-term commitment. Despite this, his performance still qualifies him as a strong second-line center desirable for contenders willing to weigh his contract against his immediate contributions. If a bidding team grows desperate enough, a deal involving Kadri could become reality.
5. Joel Hanley: Reliable Defenseman as an Alternative Option
If the Flames fail to find suitable offers for Pachal, they may consider trading Joel Hanley instead. Hanley has one season left on his contract, with a manageable cap hit of $1.75 million. He has played 54 games this season, providing steady defensive minutes and contributing seven assists. While not widely renowned, Hanley has established himself as a dependable everyday player over the past two years. His departure could be motivated by the Flames’ abundant defensive prospects and the need to open roster space.
6. Zach Whitecloud: New Acquisition Likely to Stay for Now
Defenseman Zach Whitecloud was acquired by the Flames in the same trade that sent Andersson to Vegas and was initially expected to be flipped again by the deadline. However, he has quickly meshed well with the team, both on the ice and in the locker room. Holding two years left on his contract with a modest $2.75 million cap hit, Whitecloud is not considered a priority to move unless an exceptional offer comes along. GM Craig Conroy appears inclined to retain him based on his integration so far.
7. MacKenzie Weegar: Speculated Target Despite Challenging Season
MacKenzie Weegar rounds out the list of Flames players connected to trade rumors. The defenseman’s current campaign has been disappointing, with only three goals and 21 points through 57 games and a minus-31 rating, one of the worst in the league. Nonetheless, his track record keeps interest alive, notably from the Ottawa Senators, his hometown team. With a contract extending through 2030-31 and a reasonable $6.25 million cap hit, Calgary has little incentive to part ways with Weegar at this stage. Moving him before the deadline would be unexpected, but rumors suggest it is not impossible.
Flames Prepare for Potential Moves as Deadline Nears
It is important to note that not every player listed will be traded, and some may remain with the Flames beyond the deadline. Still, it is expected that Conroy will complete at least one or two significant deals before March 6. While fans hope for postseason contention, the reality reflects a team in transition, aiming to make moves that strengthen the organization’s long-term prospects. The upcoming week promises to be pivotal as the Flames navigate a crucial period of roster decisions.
