2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[TOfan]

Alright here is an interesting thought. I don’t know the specific date but listed to a recent PDOcast where the topic of the new double retention came up. That deadline is end of December, 30 or 31 I believe. Again I don’t know the specifics but as I understand it an acquired player with retention involved needs to be on the acquiring team for a certain amount of time. Meaning if a team wanted to capitalize on double retention. They need to acquire that player before the end of the month.

I see an opportunity here for the Flames. Can they trade Kadri to the Habs in a deal that includes Liane. Habs retain on Liane. Flames can then retain on Liane at the deadline.

Win-win-win for the Flames.

[Roko]

Kadri would be fun to watch with Demidov. Montreal should come ready to make a deal. He is exactly the type of player they need in the playoffs against a Florida team.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by stemit14

Below is my uninformed attempt at a NT list for Kadri based on how competitive teams are and Kadri’s likely desire to avoid moving his family to politically-charged areas of the US (if that truly is a factor in his preferences).

There has been no indication from Kadri’s camp or any insider in the media that his trade list is influenced by American political considerations. That’s just speculation by people on this forum. Since I’m not aware of any examples of politics being a blocker of player movement in any pro sports leagues in North America, I’m skeptical.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

There has been no indication from Kadri’s camp or any insider in the media that his trade list is influenced by American political considerations. That’s just speculation by people on this forum. Since I’m not aware of any examples of politics being a blocker of player movement in any pro sports leagues in North America, I’m skeptical.

Well, we know he’s said he wanted to play in Canada. We know he’s spoken out against Trump. We know he got racist messages and death threats especially when he was in Colorado (playing against St. Louis).

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by jmac98

I’m not sure I agree he’d have been the face of a franchise regardless. Even if you appreciate his preset form of skill, heart, leadership, community involvement, etc, it took him a long time to grow into that role. For years he was a chaotic and careless player making poor and untimely choices that were detrimental to his team. He absolutely has turned that around in the latter of his career, but that simply makes him a (deserved) heart and soul type leader on a roster as a coveted veteran. Just my thoughts, anyway. For right or wrong.

I mean he is who the Flames sent to Media day

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

There has been no indication from Kadri’s camp or any insider in the media that his trade list is influenced by American political considerations. That’s just speculation by people on this forum. Since I’m not aware of any examples of politics being a blocker of player movement in any pro sports leagues in North America, I’m skeptical.

I mean Covid restrictions basically caused the blowup the 22 team so

[mennoknight]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Well, we know he’s said he wanted to play in Canada. We know he’s spoken out against Trump. We know he got racist messages and death threats especially when he was in Colorado (playing against St. Louis).

good thing he won't have to worry about racism in Montreal!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by mennoknight

good thing he won't have to worry about racism in Montreal!

I've been in both places and it's nowhere near the same.

[jmac98]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

I mean he is who the Flames sent to Media day

They also send a rep from every team to the all star game. Someone has to go.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

I mean he is who the Flames sent to Media day



I mean Covid restrictions basically caused the blowup the 22 team so

Yeah, Tkachuk had a lot of reasons he wanted to go south but that was one of them.

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by 5abi

Kadri, imho, if not a minority would’ve been the face of a franchise snub what where

Kadri is the face of the franchise right now. Trouble is this team has ####ing sucked every since he joined. Not his fault, he's been on average the best player on the team. People will look at him fondly enough, but it will always be clouded by the fact that since Tkachuk, Monahan, and Gaudreau left, it's been dark days.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by TOfan

Disagree.

Working with the player to find a preferred landing spot is good business. I’m not suggesting the Flames take penny’s on the dollar but if they are seen to treat players in this way, others around the league see that. Hockey players, like the vast majority of people, would prefer to work for an organization that treats their people well. The Predators are doing the same with ROR and they don’t have to.

I agree that Montreal seems to be the best spot for Kadri. They have a clear need at 2C and Kadri’s experience would fit like a glove there as would his playing style. That said, as mentioned previously, the Flames should not just give him to the Canadiens. Conroy should set his price and not move off that. As per Saravalli, Kadri is the best C out there. So Montreal can decide how serious they are about giving their team the best chance to win. Settle for less or bring in the best.

Edit: typing too fast. Should be clear the Flames should not just give Kadri to Montreal, or any team for that matter.

One trade doesn't define the way an organization treats its players/people. The Flames have shown numerous times they have the player's back like they did with Kylington.

In contrast organizations like Vegas continue trading their vets. The Rangers got rid of a bunch of players with NTCs by threatening to waive them, etc. Yet many players would still choose those teams ahead of Calgary.

Kadri has negotiated his no trade clause. If he'd rather veto a team that's not on it and offers the best package, that's unfortunate, but it's just business. The same goes for Andersson.

This team ended up with a subpar return that turned into nothing in return for its best player in Iginla because they let him veto any team he would like, instead of working from a set list. That's a mistake it needs to learn from.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

One trade doesn't define the way an organization treats its players/people. The Flames have shown numerous times they have the player's back like they did with Kylington.

In contrast organizations like Vegas continue trading their vets. The Rangers got rid of a bunch of players with NTCs by threatening to waive them, etc. Yet many players would still choose those teams ahead of Calgary.

Kadri has negotiated his no trade clause. If he'd rather veto a team that's not on it and offers the best package, that's unfortunate, but it's just business. The same goes for Andersson.

This team ended up with a subpar return that turned into nothing in return for its best player in Iginla because they let him veto any team he would like, instead of working from a set list. That's a mistake it needs to learn from.

I don't mind trading Kadri as a rental to whatever team makes the best offer (and is not on the list). It is indeed business. Though I don't like the thought of sending a guy who has been a good soldier here to some plece he's not comfortable taking his family to.

But let's not pretend Calgary is in the same position as NY or Vegas with respect to attracting players.

[Rhett44]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

One trade doesn't define the way an organization treats its players/people. The Flames have shown numerous times they have the player's back like they did with Kylington.

In contrast organizations like Vegas continue trading their vets. The Rangers got rid of a bunch of players with NTCs by threatening to waive them, etc. Yet many players would still choose those teams ahead of Calgary.

Kadri has negotiated his no trade clause. If he'd rather veto a team that's not on it and offers the best package, that's unfortunate, but it's just business. The same goes for Andersson.

This team ended up with a subpar return that turned into nothing in return for its best player in Iginla because they let him veto any team he would like, instead of working from a set list. That's a mistake it needs to learn from.

They were saying on Barn Burner you almost have to be a sociopath to be a great GM (I believe that is the word they used).

To get the best return on players and make the best moves, you have to take the emotion and feelings out of it. It's a business decision, and doing right by the player means not trying to trade him to one of the teams on his no trade list.

It's all nice to let a player pick his destination, but is it really in the best interest of your team if you are taking a lesser return to be a nice person?

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think people are overthinking it.


If Colorado came calling, or maybe Florida, or whatever team gives him a real shot at winning a cup - I would bet he goes. Why wouldn't he? Trump? The death threats - AFAIK - were all based on the Colorado series vs St. Louis, that's all. Heck, those death threats disappear overnight if he joins St. Louis, and he knows it. Skinner gets death threats in Edmonton. That stuff happens, unfortunately, but it isn't exclusive to the USA. Sure, I bet that Kadri may prefer to stay in Canada, but he seemed to enjoy his time in Colorado too, no? As well, he seemed to be considering offers from Calgary and the Isles - he decided to pick Calgary in the end even thought he Isles was rumoured to have given him a larger deal, but that may have been also because of a combination of state income taxes + potential of competing for a cup. Calgary seemed closer than the Islanders at the time, so maybe that's all there really was to it.


At any rate, there is no reason why Conroy can't work with Kadri (an the other vets that may get traded). They all have varying levels of protection, and Conroy has to accept the best offer on all of them. However, why can't Conroy ask Kadri for a list of 3-4 teams that he prefers being traded to? Maybe he pulls that card out in negotiations with those teams in an attempt to up their offers. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out - at least Conroy tried his best to accommodate Kadri. If it does work out, Conory (and by extension, Calgary) gets a bit more recognition as a destination that treats their players well (as they did when they do things like picking up Frost and Farabee on a jet).


Conroy shouldn't accept a lesser offer, but if the choice between offers is really splitting hairs, do right by the player. Some GMs may offer a bit more when he finds out that Kadri will be happy joining his organization, rather than potentially sulk about the trade, right? Ditto for Coleman (though Coleman has a higher degree of protection).


Andersson is a bit more complicated since offers will be based on extension vs no extension on his contract. However, still Conroy can work with Andersson on finding the best deal out there for the both of them. Maybe he can't, and the best deal ends up being one based on Andersson being a rental.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I think people are overthinking it.


If Colorado came calling, or maybe Florida, or whatever team gives him a real shot at winning a cup - I would bet he goes. Why wouldn't he? Trump? The death threats - AFAIK - were all based on the Colorado series vs St. Louis, that's all. Heck, those death threats disappear overnight if he joins St. Louis, and he knows it. Skinner gets death threats in Edmonton. That stuff happens, unfortunately, but it isn't exclusive to the USA. Sure, I bet that Kadri may prefer to stay in Canada, but he seemed to enjoy his time in Colorado too, no? As well, he seemed to be considering offers from Calgary and the Isles - he decided to pick Calgary in the end even thought he Isles was rumoured to have given him a larger deal, but that may have been also because of a combination of state income taxes + potential of competing for a cup. Calgary seemed closer than the Islanders at the time, so maybe that's all there really was to it.


At any rate, there is no reason why Conroy can't work with Kadri (an the other vets that may get traded). They all have varying levels of protection, and Conroy has to accept the best offer on all of them. However, why can't Conroy ask Kadri for a list of 3-4 teams that he prefers being traded to? Maybe he pulls that card out in negotiations with those teams in an attempt to up their offers. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out - at least Conroy tried his best to accommodate Kadri. If it does work out, Conory (and by extension, Calgary) gets a bit more recognition as a destination that treats their players well (as they did when they do things like picking up Frost and Farabee on a jet).


Conroy shouldn't accept a lesser offer, but if the choice between offers is really splitting hairs, do right by the player. Some GMs may offer a bit more when he finds out that Kadri will be happy joining his organization, rather than potentially sulk about the trade, right? Ditto for Coleman (though Coleman has a higher degree of protection).


Andersson is a bit more complicated since offers will be based on extension vs no extension on his contract. However, still Conroy can work with Andersson on finding the best deal out there for the both of them. Maybe he can't, and the best deal ends up being one based on Andersson being a rental.

Less risk with Ras as he does not have any term left on the deal and he has the power to extend with a team that wants him. Kadri and Coleman picked Calgary and if traded to a team they are not interested in, they have term left on the deal and need to move their families. Then potentially move again when they are free agents.

If Ras refuses to negotiate, no reason to try to accommodate him IMO

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

They were saying on Barn Burner you almost have to be a sociopath to be a great GM (I believe that is the word they used).

To get the best return on players and make the best moves, you have to take the emotion and feelings out of it. It's a business decision, and doing right by the player means not trying to trade him to one of the teams on his no trade list.

It's all nice to let a player pick his destination, but is it really in the best interest of your team if you are taking a lesser return to be a nice person?

All depends.

Does the way the Flames handle Kadri effect other players under the same agent? other players from other agents?

Does their chance of signing the next piece they want to sign diminish because they took a guy that signed a 7 year deal and followed his contract to the letter of the law and took the personal part out of it?

I can't say yes to all those ... I don't know.

But I'd sure want to be sure about those variables before I went "cut throat" from what is likely one of the bottom 7-8 most attractive franchises in the sport.

[Ped]

And that's really what it comes down to. New York and Florida and Vegas won't have trouble attracting players due to a variety of environment factors that have nothing to do with the team itself.


Calgary and Winnipeg and Columbus, for example, can't be as ruthless unless they are contending.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Bingo

All depends.

Does the way the Flames handle Kadri effect other players under the same agent? other players from other agents?

Does their chance of signing the next piece they want to sign diminish because they took a guy that signed a 7 year deal and followed his contract to the letter of the law and took the personal part out of it?

I can't say yes to all those ... I don't know.

But I'd sure want to be sure about those variables before I went "cut throat" from what is likely one of the bottom 7-8 most attractive franchises in the sport.

It is tough because we have seen players exert leverage when they don’t have a full say like Hanifin did which really diminished the return.

Kadri blocked a trade to Calgary in 2019 that would have changed the outlook of the Gaudreau/Tkachuk flames in my opinion. The Flames did what they could to convince him to come but he said no and the Leafs moved him to a team he couldn’t say no to.

Ultimately it is a business and if the Flames get an offer they can’t refuse that is not among the 13 teams he can say no to they should really consider it.

Ideally they get what they want from a team that Kadri would like to play for but the Flams should take care of themselves first and foremost.

[Jiggy]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

They were saying on Barn Burner you almost have to be a sociopath to be a great GM (I believe that is the word they used).

To get the best return on players and make the best moves, you have to take the emotion and feelings out of it. It's a business decision, and doing right by the player means not trying to trade him to one of the teams on his no trade list.

It's all nice to let a player pick his destination, but is it really in the best interest of your team if you are taking a lesser return to be a nice person?

Very easy to go by that mantra from the sidelines. When you're in the thick of it and in a small market I don't think it's as easy. Even then, how much of a difference would the trade be between working with the player and not working with them. When it comes to good players, a team that Kadri prefers will pay up.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Bingo

All depends.

Does the way the Flames handle Kadri effect other players under the same agent? other players from other agents?

Does their chance of signing the next piece they want to sign diminish because they took a guy that signed a 7 year deal and followed his contract to the letter of the law and took the personal part out of it?

I can't say yes to all those ... I don't know.

But I'd sure want to be sure about those variables before I went "cut throat" from what is likely one of the bottom 7-8 most attractive franchises in the sport.

A team like Vegas can be cut throat as they are a top destination for players. They might end up with more than normal NTC from players they sign, but they can get away with it.

Calgary can't IMO and they may need to dip into the UFA pool some day.

Draft a guy like McKenna and they will be more attractive of a place to play, but they still won't be a top destination and having a bad reputation has a negative impact.

Don't know any of the scenarios but if Kadri prefers Colorado over Dallas but Dallas offers a 1st and a 2nd and Colorado offers a 1st and a 3rd. I'm ok with Conroy moving him to Colorado, unless Dallas blows their offer out of the water the difference in the 2nd and 3rd isn't anything that moves the needle and often has no impact on players you take due to differences in opinions from team to team.