2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by bluejays

It’s quite a fall from grace for Sharangovich. A year ago the story was we stole him from New Jersey with first line potential. Now he’s become the whipping boy. What happened here?

New Jersey knew something the Flames didn’t?

Bit of a lose-lose for Conroy. I don’t fault him for signing Sharangovich at that time. They’re going up have to work their way through this. It likely doesn’t present itself as a problem for 2-3 years with the team likely to have significant payroll flexibility. That said, it’s never a good thing if you have a player underperforming to the extent Sharangovich is at the moment. Certainly others around the league see this and even if Sharangovich rebounds, his reputation is likely taking a hit meaning if the Flames do get to the point of dealing him, his value is not going to be all that high (relative to the role/cost he has).

Tough spot. Not much to do other than see how it plays out but I’m not holding my breath.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by TOfan

New Jersey knew something the Flames didn’t?

Bit of a lose-lose for Conroy. I don’t fault him for signing Sharangovich at that time. They’re going up have to work their way through this. It likely doesn’t present itself as a problem for 2-3 years with the team likely to have significant payroll flexibility. That said, it’s never a good thing if you have a player underperforming to the extent Sharangovich is at the moment. Certainly others around the league see this and even if Sharangovich rebounds, his reputation is likely taking a hit meaning if the Flames do get to the point of dealing him, his value is not going to be all that high (relative to the role/cost he has).

Tough spot. Not much to do other than see how it plays out but I’m not holding my breath.

I wasn’t really a fan of the signing simply because I thought Coronato would likely be ready to take the primary shooter role on the powerplay next year. Coronato has a better shot that Sharangovich so I just didn’t see the fit with Sharangovich long term. Especially with so many other young wingers in the system. Would have preferred holding off signing him till later in the second season. Would have given time to see if he replicated his first season. If he did replicate his first season production and wanted to sign, great. If he replicated his first season production and didn’t want to sign because he was closer to free agency, Conroy could have traded him for value at the deadline - great. If he didn’t replicate his first season, Conroy’s could have signed him to a lower AAV contract or a bridge deal. Or not signed him at all. Just would have preferred to keep options open. It could have been an overcorrection of “player played well and wants to be here - sign long term ASAP”.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

I have a hard time thinking a single pending UFA would disrupt the room so much given their experience with this the past few seasons. This was lauded as this unbelievably tight group just last season, and almost no turnover.

If I were to point at issues in the room I'd look squarely at guys who are supposed to be big parts of this team but continue to underperform. Zary and Sharangovich would scream to me as malcontents. Coronato has had a slow start (though better lately) too. All of them have been healthy scratched whereas Morgan Frost or Farabee have struggled at least as much and haven't come out (to my knowledge).

It's a tough job for the coaching staff. You have a plethora of 3rd line guys but no one is really jumping up and grabbing the opportunity, so the scratches and lineup decisions get scrutinized even more.

A combination of players underperforming and the coaching staff having too much of the same to work with has created this issue, IMO. Not a pending UFA Ras who has by all accounts been pretty professional his entire career as a Flame.

Farabee and Frost have been nowhere near as bad as Zary and Sharangovich. The former's overall play has been all right, just not the production. Zary and Sharky have played scared all year.

I agree that it's hard to believe this divided room narrative, especially since reports of that would have to come from the players to an outsider. What player has gone whining to someone outside the room? I can't see Zary or Sharangovich doing that. Weegar had a grouchy comment about a particular game, but that happens. If he had anyone in mind it was for that game.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Farabee and Frost have been nowhere near as bad as Zary and Sharangovich. The former's overall play has been all right, just not the production. Zary and Sharky have played scared all year.

I agree that it's hard to believe this divided room narrative, especially since reports of that would have to come from the players to an outsider. What player has gone whining to someone outside the room? I can't see Zary or Sharangovich doing that. Weegar had a grouchy comment about a particular game, but that happens. If he had anyone in mind it was for that game.

You don’t think these guys talk to their friends and family about their day at work, and who’s a prick on the team? All it takes is a media member to pry a little further and they got a story. It’s not out of the question.

[Strange Brew]

A five year contract after a career season with a career high shooting percentage was a bit of a risk, especially considering you had more time if you wanted it.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by stemit14

I wasn’t really a fan of the signing simply because I thought Coronato would likely be ready to take the primary shooter role on the powerplay next year. Coronato has a better shot that Sharangovich so I just didn’t see the fit with Sharangovich long term. Especially with so many other young wingers in the system. Would have preferred holding off signing him till later in the second season. Would have given time to see if he replicated his first season. If he did replicate his first season production and wanted to sign, great. If he replicated his first season production and didn’t want to sign because he was closer to free agency, Conroy could have traded him for value at the deadline - great. If he didn’t replicate his first season, Conroy’s could have signed him to a lower AAV contract or a bridge deal. Or not signed him at all. Just would have preferred to keep options open. It could have been an overcorrection of “player played well and wants to be here - sign long term ASAP”.

In hindsight Conny would have maybe wanted to see him duplicate that 30 goal season prior to handing him the contract but it was one of his earlier moves while he was learning on the job and I can understand coming off that season why they would want to keep him around as he seemed like a young player that was hitting his potential. It hasn't worked out but at least the timing is during a time where his contract isn't hurting the team. Still at 27 years old it appears that this is what he is which isn't a player you would like to be committed to until the end of the decade.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by bluejays

You don’t think these guys talk to their friends and family about their day at work, and who’s a prick on the team? All it takes is a media member to pry a little further and they got a story. It’s not out of the question.

I don't think media talks to freinds and family because they'd be cut off right quick if they made that approach.

None of this stuff is sourced even as to the type of source. A lot of it seems to be extrapolation about how the situation is and what the person "reporting" would think about it.

I have limited info but when I do get it from time to time, I can tell you it comes from an ex-player, or a guy on another team, or what I saw working on files involving Edwards. So without naming names, I'd at least like to know where this is coming from.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I have limited info but when I do get it from time to time, I can tell you it comes from an ex-player, or a guy on another team, or what I saw working on files involving Edwards. So without naming names, I'd at least like to know where this is coming from.

Aren't you a lawyer? Isn't this, at the very least, an extremely morally questionable thing to say/do?

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by stemit14

I wasn’t really a fan of the signing simply because I thought Coronato would likely be ready to take the primary shooter role on the powerplay next year. Coronato has a better shot that Sharangovich so I just didn’t see the fit with Sharangovich long term. Especially with so many other young wingers in the system. Would have preferred holding off signing him till later in the second season. Would have given time to see if he replicated his first season. If he did replicate his first season production and wanted to sign, great. If he replicated his first season production and didn’t want to sign because he was closer to free agency, Conroy could have traded him for value at the deadline - great. If he didn’t replicate his first season, Conroy’s could have signed him to a lower AAV contract or a bridge deal. Or not signed him at all. Just would have preferred to keep options open. It could have been an overcorrection of “player played well and wants to be here - sign long term ASAP”.

Yeah, I can see it this way as well.

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

In hindsight Conny would have maybe wanted to see him duplicate that 30 goal season prior to handing him the contract but it was one of his earlier moves while he was learning on the job and I can understand coming off that season why they would want to keep him around as he seemed like a young player that was hitting his potential. It hasn't worked out but at least the timing is during a time where his contract isn't hurting the team. Still at 27 years old it appears that this is what he is which isn't a player you would like to be committed to until the end of the decade.

That’s the risk though. Had Sharangovich repeated that performance, what’s his ask then? $7M/season? Would the Flames had to have given him 7-8 years?

Of course they could have also traded him at higher value but I suspect part of the equation here is Flames ownership always wanting to win/stay competitive.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Royle9

A few highlights thus far for me:

Honzek great progress
Giridin showing us early he's got it
Coronato easily our best shooter since Iginla
Parekh looked good offensively the few times he was in
Kuznetsov doesnt look out of place at all
Huberdeau seems good most nights
Kadri continues to care even with his name out there constantly

I would add Cooley's play as a highlight, albeit, a small sample size.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by D as in David

I would add Cooley's play as a highlight, albeit, a small sample size.

Yeah, Cooley has become an actual asset to the team.

Would be happy to see him extended, or traded if his current play keeps up.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I don't think media talks to freinds and family because they'd be cut off right quick if they made that approach.

None of this stuff is sourced even as to the type of source. A lot of it seems to be extrapolation about how the situation is and what the person "reporting" would think about it.

I have limited info but when I do get it from time to time, I can tell you it comes from an ex-player, or a guy on another team, or what I saw working on files involving Edwards. So without naming names, I'd at least like to know where this is coming from.

We're receiving this info, 3rd-hand, 4th-hand or greater. Even if the info is true, it has gone through many people's own filter and have added whatever colouring to the information they perceive best resembles what they feel is the truth. People throwing around "toxic" may be correct but it isn't because they have direct knowledge of that.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by bluejays

You don’t think these guys talk to their friends and family about their day at work, and who’s a prick on the team? All it takes is a media member to pry a little further and they got a story. It’s not out of the question.

Or complain to their agent about ice time. Zary took a bridge deal hoping to earn more. still has 2 seasons left, but this one is getting close to being a write off for him to earn a much bigger pay cheque.

Losing and millions on the line involving professional athletes with massive egos. Can't imagine things going sideways.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Aren't you a lawyer? Isn't this, at the very least, an extremely morally questionable thing to say/do?

LOL, no.

I'm not saying anything privileged. (a) He wasn't my client (nor were his companies), (b) I never talk about details of files, just his style and things he said about hockey (which had nothing to do with anything).

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by D as in David

We're receiving this info, 3rd-hand, 4th-hand or greater. Even if the info is true, it has gone through many people's own filter and have added whatever colouring to the information they perceive best resembles what they feel is the truth. People throwing around "toxic" may be correct but it isn't because they have direct knowledge of that.

That's what I'm talking about. My info usually has come through two filters before it gets to me. Unless it's just "this happened" (eg the truth about Andersson's scooter incident) it's usually X interpreting what Y said that player Z thinks.

There's a lot of that in this Andersson stuff. We hear "the room is divided because of this" and then a few posts later it seems like that's just a conclusion drawn from a number of different factors - the trade attempt, the UFA status, etc. Now it well may be true, but it's not like Zary said "I hate Andersson".

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

A five year contract after a career season with a career high shooting percentage was a bit of a risk, especially considering you had more time if you wanted it.

I remember when he signed the first possible day he could have got an extension and it felt like the majority of this board was happy with the deal. I predicted it would be a buyout candidate down the road. Sharangovich came to Calgary with a reputation of being very inconsistent as he was a healthy scratch at times in his last year with the Devils. He did a great job in year one with the Flames but it was such a big risk to sign a guy like that to a 5 year deal.

I doubt the deal will really hurt the Flames at any time but who knew that Frolik’s deal was going to be a roadblock down the road as well when it was signed.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

He's a slow starter as one poster mentioned.

And I'd almost guarantee the coach is not a fan - because his leash is a lot shorter than other players who have struggled for this team.

And he's impacted by the overall system and utilization issues that have plagued the forward group too. It's impacted Coronato and Kadri too TBH.

Most of the forwards on this team are struggling with the constant line juggling.



All of the forwards IMO.

Kadri has struggled more recently with the constant line juggling. Coronato earlier in the season. Zary and Sharangovich all season.

A big part of it is the refusal to play a more balanced 4 lines and take Lomberg out of the lineup. It limits them from doing the type of roster like you have proposed above.

I'm pretty certain that Huska isn't a revolutionary offensive coach. I get that.

I think he's solid in developing defensemen and coaching a tough to play against club that tries to out will you.

That's probably tough on the offence, but then so too is the roster itself.

But I can't for a second give a pass to a guy that doesn't win many if any board battles on the ice by blaming the coach. Nobody coaches a player to be late to the battle, and be weak on the stick, and avoid traffic. Nobody.

[taxbuster]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

Find some light in this, complaining every day isn't going to help. We are in for a few years of this.

I’m only complaining about YOU.

I know that the Flames needed to rebuild, retool, rework systems etc but I take no joy in pummmeling people with the “fun” of losing and cheering for losses, whereas that doesn’t seem to be the case for you.

Flames are likely to get a decent-to-top pick or two this year and likely next, but, as a humanist, I feel bad for the players … they’re generally a talented lot…albeit not as talented as we “need”, to be sure. Most are working hard…been impressed with Coronato who has seemed to work himself out of his funk. Less impressed with Zary and Sharky who seem unable or unwilling to do so. Or maybe it’s just harder for them.

They’re not stupid, they follow socials and CP (I’m sure) and seeing “fans” cheer losses can’t be enjoyable.

You can cheer for the team and STILL recognize that a better pick will help in the long run. It doesn’t need to be shoved down our throats daily either.

I’m way more concerned about the coaching and the apparent refusal to allow young guys to be up with the big club and filling decent roles. Whether that’s CC or RH I don’t know…but that’s my concern.


As an aside: the constant cheering for losses from a couple of posters has made CP an unpleasant place for me to be, read, and comment on hockey. I’m probably not alone in that sentiment…even if it’s a “necessary evil” to get decent picks, none of which guarantees any amount of success (see: coaching, utilization, development, physical abilities and susceptibility to injury etc).

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I don't think media talks to freinds and family because they'd be cut off right quick if they made that approach.

None of this stuff is sourced even as to the type of source. A lot of it seems to be extrapolation about how the situation is and what the person "reporting" would think about it.

I have limited info but when I do get it from time to time, I can tell you it comes from an ex-player, or a guy on another team, or what I saw working on files involving Edwards. So without naming names, I'd at least like to know where this is coming from.

Why? It's not like there was anything remotely slanderous about what these posters said. These CP insiders have been posting here for a long time, this seems like an unusual time to start asking for information on sources.