Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - 2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

traptor · 07-28-2025, 11:37 AM

I think it’s important to keep some veterans around to help maintain team culture and provide continuity to the core identity.

Vets (Age 28+):
Backlund

Kadri

Huberdeau

Coleman

Weegar

Andersson

Hanley

Lomberg

I see Huberdeau and Weegar as long-term pieces. They offer long term vet leadership that’ll be valuable as the team evolves.

I get the hesitation to move Kadri, especially with Backlund aging and limited options at center. But to me, Kadri feels like the key pivot point, if he's moved, it signals a full teardown rebuild. With the price impact centers have been going for and the demand, I would try to maximize his value when they can.

As for Rasmus, it's probably safe to assume he won’t be around much longer, though you never know.
Backlund likely has a year or two left, whether that ends in a trade or retirement.

Coleman is similar to Kadri, just a tier below. The question is whether they try to move him now (with term left) or wait until the final year of his deal and move him at the deadline. I'd move him sooner then later.

Hanley and Lomberg are solid bottom-half vets, dependable short term vets who help round out the roster.

If it were up to me:

Trade Rasmus, Kadri (I understand the NTC. Do it asap though), and Coleman.
Let Backlund make his own call.
Keep Huberdeau and Weegar as long-term vets.
Always leave room for a couple depth veterans like Hanley or Lomberg to keep the room steady.
Then let the young guys buck.

07-28-2025, 11:37 AM	#6282
traptor Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Sep 2021 Exp:	I think it’s important to keep some veterans around to help maintain team culture and provide continuity to the core identity. Vets (Age 28+): Backlund Kadri Huberdeau Coleman Weegar Andersson Hanley Lomberg I see Huberdeau and Weegar as long-term pieces. They offer long term vet leadership that’ll be valuable as the team evolves. I get the hesitation to move Kadri, especially with Backlund aging and limited options at center. But to me, Kadri feels like the key pivot point, if he's moved, it signals a full teardown rebuild. With the price impact centers have been going for and the demand, I would try to maximize his value when they can. As for Rasmus, it's probably safe to assume he won’t be around much longer, though you never know. Backlund likely has a year or two left, whether that ends in a trade or retirement. Coleman is similar to Kadri, just a tier below. The question is whether they try to move him now (with term left) or wait until the final year of his deal and move him at the deadline. I'd move him sooner then later. Hanley and Lomberg are solid bottom-half vets, dependable short term vets who help round out the roster. If it were up to me: Trade Rasmus, Kadri (I understand the NTC. Do it asap though), and Coleman. Let Backlund make his own call. Keep Huberdeau and Weegar as long-term vets. Always leave room for a couple depth veterans like Hanley or Lomberg to keep the room steady. Then let the young guys buck.