2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Again, I'm not saying building through the draft, and specifically high draft picks isn't a good strategy. The bolded above though needs to be what everyone is comfortable with in the strategy, because it is by far and away what going scorched earth likely means. Agreed, a fun little bonus would be to hit, but it's just that, a bonus.

I actually think most of the scorched earth crowd is likely comfortable with building through high draft picks, but the romanticizing of hitting on that #1 pick seems to get a lot of focus and seems to get overvalued around here: "the chance of hitting it big".

I would suggest most are very comfortable with it, and few are looking for guarantees of the first overall pick. Some level of access to top 5 picks and the potential of landing cream of the crop prospects is what people want to see.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Kadri's perceived value is probably at an all time high right now also. All the "contenders" want to emulate the Panthers secret sauce, and to them:

Kadri = Bennett (plus Kadri was fantastic last year)

Obviously the deal needs to be right for Conny, but could be the right timing.

If Kadri were open to several contenders then sure but if he only wants to play here or Toronto then his value is obviously limited until his NMC turns into a limited NTC

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

If Kadri were open to several contenders then sure but if he only wants to play here or Toronto then his value is obviously limited until his NMC turns into a limited NTC

Totally agree, if the options are play here or Toronto, then he'll be undervalued. If he's open to more, then maybe.

[Royle9]

Rossi is still the wildcard to me too.

I feel like given the Flames interest in some guys who haven't signed and their own situation within the team we could see them trying to move parts to get everything done at the same time.

Direct replacements:

Rasmus out - Byram in
Kadri out - Rossi in

Futures obviously included in any sort of trade, and then other assets used for acquisition. Could be interesting.

**Personal speculation, nothing I've been told**

[kehatch]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Wouldn’t it make more sense when he has less trade protection which occurs after this upcoming season?

That makes sense if the Flames plan on competiting next season and believe Kadri will retain his value. For me Conroy not improving the team at the deadline, draft, or FA combined with losing Andersson cements the need for a rebuild.

I don't have confidence Kadri retains his value in a down season. I also think keeping him is counterproductive to a rebuild. So I would trade him now if you can.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

If Kadri were open to several contenders then sure but if he only wants to play here or Toronto then his value is obviously limited until his NMC turns into a limited NTC

True. But I think it balances out by Conroy likely not being eager to trade Kadri and the Leads being eager to acquire him. I’m not expecting a huge return and I am assuming the flames will have to take back a contract (Domi for example). My guess would be a 2028 1st round pick + Domi + B-level prospect. Not a great return but a first round pick that only increase in value over the next 3 years.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Well boys, your wishes have finally been granted.
Leaf's have been blowing up the phones trying to pry Kadri for what feels like 2 years now.
I'm told this morning that Craig is listening (both sides are talking now) AND that Kadri would be open to it.

I know diss is a bit more connected with the Kadri stuff than I am, but this is the first time I've heard he would consider a reunion with T.O.

With that said I cant think of anything I'd even want from Toronto... and would put a very sizable gap in our top 6.

I have always maintained that Kadri would waive for the Leafs whenever people bring up trading him. It's Colorado I have said he would not entertain going back to. The Leafs are definitely poking around on Kadri however the price will not be cheap because Kadri is just as happy to stay in Calgary. So there is no pressure for Craig to make a deal with Toronto.

[TheIronMaiden]

In terms of speculation, how pressing are these deals?
Hours, Days, Weeks, Months?

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Totally agree, if the options are play here or Toronto, then he'll be undervalued. If he's open to more, then maybe.

Agreed unless Toronto pays what Conroy wants he doesn’t have to move him and his options increase significantly when the full NMC becomes a 13 team no trade list.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by stemit14

True. But I think it balances out by Conroy likely not being eager to trade Kadri and the Leads being eager to acquire him. I’m not expecting a huge return and I am assuming the flames will have to take back a contract (Domi for example). My guess would be a 2028 1st round pick + Domi + B-level prospect. Not a great return but a first round pick that only increase in value over the next 3 years.

That isn't going to cut it. This isn't Andersson, Kadri doesn't want out, he is just open to returning to Toronto.

[ResAlien]

Agreed the flames won't trade a player unless their negotiated ask is met

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think it is likely that the high pick may be conditional. Say: 2nd round pick - "if Kadri scores 30+ goals, it turns into a 1st 2028". Or maybe - "If the Leafs make it to the Eastern Finals, and Kadri plays in minimum 8 games". Something like that.


Toronto:
Kadri


To Calgary
Conditional 2nd
Cowan
Laughton
3rd? 4th? Whatever



I would flip Laughton for picks right away. Why? We know exactly what Laughton is - a good 3rd/4th line center with grit who i also good on the PK. He isn't a top 6 center. So keeping him pushes Zary back out to the wing, and I would rather not do that. Zary may have a higher ceiling than Laughton does at center, but we don't know. Calgary should just run with this down the middle:
Frost (let's see if the Flames can get him going as a #1)
Backlund (still one of the league's best defensive centers)
Zary (let's give him lots of rope!)
Kirkland/Morton/King - competition for 4th


Great move for Kadri and Calgary. It just didn't make any sense for Kadri to remain here, either for Calgary or Kadri himself. He still has some jump in his game and is still productive, why would you want to wind your career down with a team that is unlikely to win anything until after you retire? Or will buy you out once they do improve enough to need the cap space 3 years down the road? I thought the Flames may trade this season given that his contract opens up to a 13 team no trade - this is the time to have that conversation with him, regardless of the vitriol from posters saying it wasn't. Kadri could have been traded next season to a spot that didn't have a chance to win and that he doesn't want to be in. WIth a full NMC, he can do it now, pick his spot, and be happy.


It makes sense for Calgary since they will do worse without him (that's the biggest benefit honestly). Plus he is still worth something. Father time can knock suddenly, and all it takes is one season of bad luck to make an older players contract one you can no longer move. So even though it is one and only one team to negotiate with this year, the risk is you get nobody to negotiate next year with.


Besides, we all know he is a red and blue Leaf. I hate the Leafs, I really do, but the hockey world would love to see this story unfold, right?



I don't think the Flames will tear it down much more than this. Andersson + Kadri for futures. I think this takes them down comfortably into the bottom 3. Everyone else is improving. Take Backlund out, and I think you finish last - the game is controlled through the centers, and Backlund really helps keep the team afloat defensively.


McKenna would be the obvious goal here. He is not just a game-changer. He is a franchise-changer. Flames start attracting fans the second he is drafted by them. Instant superstar to add to Parekh and Wolf. Now you are really building for something, especially with all that depth Calgary has in the system, right? It is still a lottery, so if you end up missing out on McKenna - which is still likely - you still can end up with a guy like Ryan Roobroeck - an early favourite for the best center available in 2026, and is 6'4" already.


Anyway, if this trade happens, it is good for all three sides - Calgary, Toronto and Kadri. It makes perfect sense for all 3 sides too. Hope it happens!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by stemit14

True. But I think it balances out by Conroy likely not being eager to trade Kadri and the Leads being eager to acquire him. I’m not expecting a huge return and I am assuming the flames will have to take back a contract (Domi for example). My guess would be a 2028 1st round pick + Domi + B-level prospect. Not a great return but a first round pick that only increase in value over the next 3 years.

I would think the prospect needs to be Cowan or else it's not enough. But I agree there's not pressure on the Flames. Having Kadri around is just fine.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Royle9

My post was sarcasm, but honestly with more teams likely interested if Kadri is open to being moved all of a sudden.. there's bound to be 10x better deal's elsewhere.

Outside of Knies there's nothing I'd want from Toronto.

He isn't moving if it isn't the Leafs. I am very confident in that.

[bax]

Conroy has built a surprisingly deep prospect pool in relative short order. No doubt there will be NHLers from this group and likely some very good ones.

The problem is we do not have any can’t miss elite pieces. The easiest way to acquire these guys is with top 5 picks. When posters are talking about going scorched earth that’s what that means. Give yourself a shot at those picks.

Moving forward the Flames will likely never be in a better position to sell off a couple guys and truly bottom out. I think if you move on from Kadri and Andersson the Flames are likely in that conversation this season. And let’s be honest- the Flames as currently constructed are not set up to win anything anytime soon. They are set up to be a middle pack team.

Look at Florida and Edmonton, the cup finalists the last two seasons:

Florida:
1st overall
2nd overall
2nd overall
4th overall
4th overall
6th overall

Edmonton:
1st overall
1st overall
3rd overall
7th overall
10th overall

I realize Florida traded for a few of those guys, but Calgary is not Florida and it’s a much tougher sell to buy low on those guys at the right time and get them here long term via trade or FA.

Flames need to draft and develop these guys.

In the last 45 years the Flames have never drafted higher than 4th overall and have only drafted in the top 10 nine times and in the top 5 once.

The clearest way to long term success is through top draft picks. It’s admirable the Flames try to remain competitive, but the odds are stacked against them. It’s hasn’t led to meaningful success in the past and it likely won’t in the future.

[indes]

You would think Treliving would be making sure cap space is there in case McDavid comes knocking...

[dissentowner]

I wonder if the Leafs are the 3rd team involved in the Buffalo deal.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by indes

You would think Treliving would be making sure cap space is there in case McDavid comes knocking...

I think they have over $26 million in space projected for the 26-27 season. Many teams will have the space to take a run at McDavid due to the cap increasing year over year.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I think they have over $26 million in space projected for the 26-27 season. Many teams will have the space to take a run at McDavid due to the cap increasing year over year.

I also think Craig would GLADLY take on a year or 2 of cap dumps from Toronto if it meant McDavid could go there

[kehatch]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

That isn't going to cut it. This isn't Andersson, Kadri doesn't want out, he is just open to returning to Toronto.

If I was Kadri and I was set on either Calgary or Toronto then I would be pushing for a trade this summer before my NMC expired.