2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[schmaaadm]

Originally Posted by Hackey

Florida Panthers - 18 years out of the playoffs, 24 years and only 1 playoff round win, then magically three straight trips to the finals and two Stanley Cups.

Tampa Bay Lightning - 9 years out of the playoffs, one playoff round win in 11 straight years, then win a Stanley Cup.

Chicago Blackhawks - 9 years out of the playoffs, 2 playoffs round wins in 11 years which happened in the same season right before....a Stanley Cup.

LA Kings - 6 straight years out of playoffs, 8 straight years with no playoff wins, then a Stanley Cup.

Carolina Hurricanes - 9 years out of the playoffs, 3 playoff wins in 12 years which were all in the same season, then Stanley Cup.

Pittsburgh Penguins - 4 years straight years being one of the worst teams in the league, no playoff wins in 5 years, then they go to the finals and win the Cup the next year.

Ahhhh got it. Let’s just be absolutely terrible for 9-18 years and then reap the rewards!!

[topfiverecords]

Y'all got this Kadri discussion cased yet?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

But Calagry really can't "tank". They have too much older talent who don't want to move, or can't be moved, along with an elite goaltender.

A lot of people talk about Chicago as a model tank coming out of the lockout, but they forget the fact that the Hawks brought in a bunch of veterans prior to the 2005-06 season, including making Khabibulin the highest-paid goalie in the NHL. In 2005-06, the Hawks had 8 players over the age of 30 who played at least 30 games that season (and one more who turned 30 late in the season). Not one of those 9 players was a Blackhawk in 2003-04. They were not a team built to tank, but they still finished with the 3rd-worst record in the league.


The 2007-08 Lightning, who finished at the bottom of the league, had 11 players over 30 who played at least 30 games -- including 4 who had been members of their 2004 team. They also had Lecavalier and Richards remaining from 2004 who were under 30. That was only 4 years after their 2004 run. Next season will be 4 years since Kadri won the Cup and 5 since Coleman did.




Right now, the Flames have 7 players over the age of 30 under contract (plus Hunt and Bishop will turn 30 during the season). Two of the seven are Lomberg and Hanley, who aren't making the difference between the Flames finishing 17th or 27th.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by getbak

A lot of people talk about Chicago as a model tank coming out of the lockout, but they forget the fact that the Hawks brought in a bunch of veterans prior to the 2005-06 season, including making Khabibulin the highest-paid goalie in the NHL. In 2005-06, the Hawks had 8 players over the age of 30 who played at least 30 games that season (and one more who turned 30 late in the season). Not one of those 9 players was a Blackhawk in 2003-04. They were not a team built to tank, but they still finished with the 3rd-worst record in the league.


The 2007-08 Lightning, who finished at the bottom of the league, had 11 players over 30 who played at least 30 games -- including 4 who had been members of their 2004 team. They also had Lecavalier and Richards remaining from 2004 who were under 30. That was only 4 years after their 2004 run. Next season will be 4 years since Kadri won the Cup and 5 since Coleman did.




Right now, the Flames have 7 players over the age of 30 under contract (plus Hunt and Bishop will turn 30 during the season). Two of the seven are Lomberg and Hanley, who aren't making the difference between the Flames finishing 17th or 27th.

People also forget that the Hawks won the lottery to get Kane. That sure helps. If they didn't win that lottery they pick 3rd and 5th OV. Not much different than the Flames picking Bennett, Monahan and Tkachuk 4, 6, 6, Toews and Alzner aren't winning you 3 cups. Maybe the took Sam Gagner instead, but that draft was Kane and a bunch of crap after Kane. Logan Couture and Voracek were the only top 10 players from 5 and beyond that were any good.

[shutout]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Even if we are in the hunt?

Rhett44 would pull the goalie if the Flames were leading in a game that's how much he wants to see the team lose and pick high.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by schmaaadm

Ahhhh got it. Let’s just be absolutely terrible for 9-18 years and then reap the rewards!!

Those 6 teams have won most of the Stanley Cups over the last 15 years or so.

It's better than being somewhat terrible for 10 years without reaping the rewards.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by shutout

Rhett44 would pull the goalie if the Flames were leading in a game that's how much he wants to see the team lose and pick high.

Especially in OT where you can give back the point you might have gained.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Bingo

But wouldn't a 13 team no trade list essentially be iron clad at the deadline?

Submit teams 1-13 in the standings and likely you're not going anywhere.

Teams below that wouldn't be adding at the deadline.

My definition of ironclad is essentially zero chance. 3 out of 16 to me is no longer ironclad. Plus, I do think there could be 1-2 teams outside the playoffs by the deadline who like their chances too - a young team on the rise, or perhaps a contender that had a poor stretch, but are back on track.


Also, when does the list need to be submitted by, and how long does it remain in effect for? Does Kadri submit his list on July 1st? The day before the season opens? Or is it by Conroy's request, and if so, does it last 30 days? A full season? Depending on this, it could definitely add a few options to the list.


Even ignoring the above, I am not sure that Kadri and his agent just pick off 13 teams that are in a playoff spot. If he had an expiring contract, then definitely this would be the way to go. I do think because of the term, there may be a couple of teams that would feel more comfortable spending assets on him, even if they end up not making the playoffs that season. Unlikely, yes, but I do think that is a consideration I would be looking at if I am Kadri.



It will be interesting next season to see if he stays or goes. I see value both ways - trading him, or keeping him around as a grizzled vet through the rebuild. I try to put myself in Kadri's shoes, and if I want as much control as possible in my destination, this upcoming season's deadline is my best bet. After that, I can make things difficult for them. However, I may be happy to go 1-2 destinations, but the Flames will have an additional 1 minimum, and up to 4 total other options to move me to. Do I worry about it, or do I approach Conroy this season?



I am just not convinced of anything definitive either way. Lots of players with term get traded, and often they were happy to remain where they were. No idea when - or even if - Kadri gets traded. My argument is simply that Kadri's best chance at engineering a trade to a particular destination is this season. After that, it opens up, and there will be more options available to the Flames, regardless of how well he picks his list, even trying to adjust for teams' respective center depths.

[Macindoc]

Originally Posted by Bingo

But wouldn't a 13 team no trade list essentially be iron clad at the deadline?

Submit teams 1-13 in the standings and likely you're not going anywhere.

Teams below that wouldn't be adding at the deadline.

Aren't players usually required to submit their lists on July 1?

Edit: C4L beat me to it.

[Rhett44]

Originally Posted by shutout

Rhett44 would pull the goalie if the Flames were leading in a game that's how much he wants to see the team lose and pick high.

This is an exaggeration. But yes, I want to see the team become a contender. And I believe the best path to doing that is in the draft and unloading vets while their value is still high.

I understand some people do not want to wait 5 years for us to compete. I just don't see another path forward, without simply becoming a bubble team and not a cup threat.

I honestly think a lot of people probably agree with me, I don't think I have some crazy opinion on this. We have some nice building blocks, but we need to draft some elite talent at forward.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

He has a NTC and he wants to live in this community and be a part of this team. End of story. So STFU about it.

As a fan of a team that’s on a lot of players no-trade lists, one would think you’d show some appreciation and respect toward a 30 goal scorer that loves the team & city of Calgary. We need impact+ veterans on the roster, otherwise our young up and comers do not have mentors, and it will have a negative impact on their development and career trajectories.

I agree about the first part, and he negotiated that NTC, so I'm not going to be one of the fans that attempts to run him out of town. That said, starting next year his NMC turns into a 13-team no-trade list, so it might make more sense to explore where he would be willing to go ahead of time.

I loved Kadri over the last 2 seasons. He was arguably the best Flames forward over that span, yet at the same time I also remember very vividly how he quit on the team under Sutter, and how terrible he was under Huska until Zary and Pospisil got called up 2 years ago.

Now for the appreciation part. That comes from the Flames paying him $7M a year, his rumored offer from COL as a free agent was around $5.5M. This team shows more appreciation for players than anyone in the league, and at the end of the day the agents are there to remind us it's just business. Once the Flames build a good team, players will want to come here.

I don't mind keeping Kadri as a mentor for our younger forwards, but I would like to open up a top-6 spot for either Zary or Frost, and later Reschny as soon as he's ready. That's why this team has 1 year to figure out which one out of Backlund and Kadri is going to play in the top-9 as a mentor. The other will either have to be traded or play on the 4th line, and the best time to cash in on either of them would likely be before this year's TD.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Y'all got this Kadri discussion cased yet?

I think Rhett is trying to speak it into existence rather than wait July 1, 2026 when Kadri doesn’t have full trade protection.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Macindoc

Aren't players usually required to submit their lists on July 1?

Edit: C4L beat me to it.

I think it can differ from contract to contract how it works and when lists are submitted
Years ago Pat Berglund’s agent missed the date and that’s how he got shipped to Buffalo

[All In Good Time]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Still wondering why Kadri wasn’t traded I see.
Imagine how respected Craig would be around the league after one of the most polarizing and verbal players on your team wants to stay and help you build something special, but you hound him to be traded even though he has an NTC.

……………

I feel like some people don’t understand the humility behind the scenes and the impact it has around the hockey world have never been part of any organization that in anyway has been close to success to possibly understand the value of treating people correctly and being accountable for the deals you agree to

Bolded an extremely important part of your post that some seem to miss
And
Fixed another part

[Red Potato Standing By]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

This is an exaggeration. But yes, I want to see the team become a contender. And I believe the best path to doing that is in the draft and unloading vets while their value is still high.

I understand some people do not want to wait 5 years for us to compete. I just don't see another path forward, without simply becoming a bubble team and not a cup threat.

I honestly think a lot of people probably agree with me, I don't think I have some crazy opinion on this. We have some nice building blocks, but we need to draft some elite talent at forward.

Is it that they don’t want to wait, or is it that they know the team isn’t going to go in that direction you would like, so why bother supporting that route?

[The Original FFIV]

So…Aug 15 free agents.

Only one worth their salt appears to be Dominic James. Might to be able to sell him on playing sooner here given the state of our team. Turned down signing with from Chicago so looking for a place where he’s got a path.

Had a good last season in ncaa. If we have contract room, why not? Sandman?

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/...php?pid=218690

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

So…Aug 15 free agents.

Only one worth their salt appears to be Dominic James. Might to be able to sell him on playing sooner here given the state of our team. Turned down signing with from Chicago so looking for a place where he’s got a path.

Had a good last season in ncaa. If we have contract room, why not? Sandman?

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/...php?pid=218690

Sadly, I know nothing about this kid- but he's talked about as being an excellent defensive performer, with a high-end motor, and a robust physical game. Stats are not bad for a 23 year-old, but not indicative of a future top-6 NHLer- more of a rugged bottom-six defender, and there's nothing wrong with that. Needless to say, I like him already.

[Wolven]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

My definition of ironclad is essentially zero chance. 3 out of 16 to me is no longer ironclad. Plus, I do think there could be 1-2 teams outside the playoffs by the deadline who like their chances too - a young team on the rise, or perhaps a contender that had a poor stretch, but are back on track.


Also, when does the list need to be submitted by, and how long does it remain in effect for? Does Kadri submit his list on July 1st? The day before the season opens? Or is it by Conroy's request, and if so, does it last 30 days? A full season? Depending on this, it could definitely add a few options to the list.


Even ignoring the above, I am not sure that Kadri and his agent just pick off 13 teams that are in a playoff spot. If he had an expiring contract, then definitely this would be the way to go. I do think because of the term, there may be a couple of teams that would feel more comfortable spending assets on him, even if they end up not making the playoffs that season. Unlikely, yes, but I do think that is a consideration I would be looking at if I am Kadri.



It will be interesting next season to see if he stays or goes. I see value both ways - trading him, or keeping him around as a grizzled vet through the rebuild. I try to put myself in Kadri's shoes, and if I want as much control as possible in my destination, this upcoming season's deadline is my best bet. After that, I can make things difficult for them. However, I may be happy to go 1-2 destinations, but the Flames will have an additional 1 minimum, and up to 4 total other options to move me to. Do I worry about it, or do I approach Conroy this season?



I am just not convinced of anything definitive either way. Lots of players with term get traded, and often they were happy to remain where they were. No idea when - or even if - Kadri gets traded. My argument is simply that Kadri's best chance at engineering a trade to a particular destination is this season. After that, it opens up, and there will be more options available to the Flames, regardless of how well he picks his list, even trying to adjust for teams' respective center depths.

It could be a number of situations for the NTL. It might be a July 1st thing or it might be on demand. But, pretend for a moment that it is a July 1st thing. Like I posted a couple of pages back, it would be easy for Kadri and his agent to craft a list that essentially eliminates the chance of him being traded.

Originally Posted by Wolven

Kadri and his agent will be able to sit down and look at the league to figure out how best to use those 13 spots on the list to effectively make it full control for the player. They can skip teams who have strong center depth and are almost certainly not interested in trading for him (for example: Sharks, Ducks, Stars, Oilers, Devils, Panthers, Lightning, VGK, Senators, Blues, Mammoth, etc) and they can also skip adding teams that are not going to be buying this season (Penguins, Flyers).

13 team no trade list vs. 18 teams not on the list (1 team currently with)

19 teams not on the list:

• Flames
• Penguins, Flyers = No risk that they would spend assets to acquire Kadri as they look to be tanking
• Stars, Oilers, Devils, Panthers, Lightning, VGK, Senators, Rangers, Bruins = Teams with 2-3 established centers and no cap space for Kadri
• Kraken, Mammoth, Sharks, Ducks, Blackhawks, Hurricane = Teams that might have cap space but already have 2-3 centers (no desire to add another C with 4 years term left)
• Leafs = Teams that might want Kadri but do not have the cap space or assets to trade for him

Potential 13 team no trade list
Canadiens, Islanders, Capitals, Jets, Sabres, Blues, Red Wings, Blue Jackets, Kings, Canucks, Predators, Wild, Avalanche

I am not sure how many of these teams would actually need to be on the list. Predators, Kings, and Avalanche all seem unlikely to be after Kadri for various reasons. Namely, the Preds are a mess and another vet won't fix that and Kings and Avs have no cap space and look to have their C depth figured out for now. Maybe switch one of them with the Blackhawks and Mammoth in case they want to upgrade their GAF meter.

I am sure you can play with the list yourself a bit and see how you can use a 13 team NTL to eliminate most or all of the viable trade partners. Even if you have the case where a team has one of their Cs get injured (like the Devils and Hughes) they are unlikely to pick up a guy with 4 years left on his contract to be a stop gap while their guy recovers.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Sadly, I know nothing about this kid- but he's talked about as being an excellent defensive performer, with a high-end motor, and a robust physical game. Stats are not bad for a 23 year-old, but not indicative of a future top-6 NHLer- more of a rugged bottom-six defender, and there's nothing wrong with that. Needless to say, I like him already.

Apparently, according to HF Boards, he wanted to play for the Hawks at the end of last year, to burn a year off his ELC, but the Hawks declined. They did allow a number of other higher end prospects the opportunity to do that.

He's an older prospect that only had any kind of stats in his 4th year when he was older than most players.

Speculation is, he didn't like the higher rated prospects ahead of him in the Hawk's system. He wouldn't like the Flames prospect roster also, although the Flames prospects are generally a bit younger and behind the Hawks's prospects development wise.

It seems like he wants a situation where he might be able to play right away.

Edmonton it is.