The NHL trade deadline is approaching this Friday, prompting speculation on which Calgary Flames players might be moved. Three players stand out as the most probable candidates for a trade, highlighting the team’s ongoing rebuilding efforts and strategic considerations.
Nazem Kadri’s Role and Trade Possibilities
Nazem Kadri, 35, has been the Flames’ leading offensive contributor this season, topping assists with 29, points at 41, and shots on goal with 165. Despite his impressive offensive output, his defensive play has raised concerns. Over the past four seasons with Calgary, Kadri’s plus-minus rating stands at -60, reflecting struggles on defense, paired with accumulating 84 postseason penalty minutes in 52 games. Kadri is a two-time NHL All-Star, earning selections in 2021-22 with the Colorado Avalanche and 2022-23 with the Flames, and he won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
Given his age and the Flames’ rebuild, retaining Kadri may not align with the team’s long-term plans, making him a likely trade candidate before the deadline.
Blake Coleman’s Contract and Trade Outlook
At 34 years old, Blake Coleman is also expected to be traded soon, with a strong possibility of joining an American team like the Dallas Stars. Coleman brings valuable experience as a two-time Stanley Cup winner with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021. This season, he has contributed 13 goals and eight assists over 46 games. With one year remaining on his contract and a $4.9 million salary, the Flames are incentivized to trade Coleman now to gain assets before potentially losing him in free agency.
Ryan Lomberg’s Energy and Free Agency Status
Ryan Lomberg, 31, known for his high energy on the left wing, enters free agency at the season’s end, which makes him expendable for the Flames. His production this season is limited, with eight points across 50 games. However, Lomberg holds a Stanley Cup title, having won with the Florida Panthers in 2024. Trading him before the deadline could allow Calgary to gain returns while his value remains.
The Calgary Flames’ moves during the trade deadline will reflect their attempts to balance rebuilding with maximizing value from veteran players. How these trades unfold could significantly impact the team’s trajectory and roster composition for the coming seasons.
