2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Friedman said himself said trading Hughes wasn’t a priority for them and that he wasn’t among the veterans they were looking at moving around a week before he got traded… and then we find out they’d been working on a trade since the summer and heavily shopping him for weeks.

So what I think people should do is sell their tickets for every home game for pennies on the dollar. That’s the only way to really show management they mean business! Enough “oh I might have to maybe think about maybe not supporting them with my season tickets MAYBE!” Nope. Sell your tickets for 10% of what they’re worth. That’ll show em. Have some guts ya cowards.

In that case I'm buyin' (to those that take you up on your sage advice)! haha

Apart from Friedman, I think the media guys know they are being used and are OK with it. Elliotte seems to take this a bit more seriously, as if he were a journalist or something. He seems a bit surly when he misses a scoop.

So teams use the media to make us feel better, or send smoke signals to other GMs around the league. I bet every GM knows exactly what these signals mean.

"Not actively shopping player X" Probably translates into, 'he's gone any minute, get your best offers in now or hold your piece.'

Kind of related, I bet the only thing Conroy is mad about re: Maloney's interviews, is the performance bump Flames had afterwards.

[Jiri Hrdina]

"they're going to let this year play out, they're not going to do short-term fixes and they're going to try and get the best pick they can"

Isn't this all stuff we want to hear?
I guess people are reacting to the "they aren't going to tear it down?".

But I don't think that necessarily means they won't trade one of Coleman, Kadri or both.

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

"they're going to let this year play out, they're not going to do short-term fixes and they're going to try and get the best pick they can"

Isn't this all stuff we want to hear?
I guess people are reacting to the "they aren't going to tear it down?".

But I don't think that necessarily means they won't trade one of Coleman, Kadri or both.

When all three are gone we'll learn that certain teams were working with CC for months.

Teams 'leak' what they want known.

Teams tell fans what they think we want to hear, and for the most part get it right because a few hundred maniacs like us folk here on this forum, and others around the league, are not indicators of fan sentiment.

We all suspected a big Flames trade would not happen before Christmas. Maybe because of human factors, probably because the offers are not where they need to be yet.

[Rhett44]

If we trade all 3, I will be positive about the Flames for the rest of the year!

It would finally indicate that the ownership / upper management isn't actually incompetent.

[Groot]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

If we trade all 3, I will be positive about the Flames for the rest of the year!

It would finally indicate that the ownership / upper management isn't actually incompetent.

What if they only trade Andersson and remain bottom 3 until the end of the season then win 1 of the 2 lottery picks? They can still trade Coleman and Kadri next season. And yes, there's a chance they can fall off in skill any moment, but thats been said for a while for both and neither indicate any pending plummet in their play that would erode their value

[Niemo]

This Friedman report is so disappointing on so many levels. I will not be spending another dollar on anything Flames until some trades are made that signal otherwise. Cue the 'don't let the door hit you on the way out' or 'good riddance, fake fan' type comments.

Murray Edwards doesn't need my money to pay for Maloney's extension.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

"they're going to let this year play out, they're not going to do short-term fixes and they're going to try and get the best pick they can"

Isn't this all stuff we want to hear?
I guess people are reacting to the "they aren't going to tear it down?".

But I don't think that necessarily means they won't trade one of Coleman, Kadri or both.

That's the whole thing...what people outside the market perceive to be "tearing it down" vs. what we (in our CP conversations) perceive it to be.

I don't think anyone on CP thinks they're talking, or have any desire/hopes to see guys like Backlund, Sharangovich, Weegar, Huberdeau, Coronato, Farabee, Frost sold and out the door for assets - but I think that's what the out of market folk see 'tear it down' as.

Whereas "we" see it as "okay, Andersson is gone...but does Kadri and/or Coleman follow" and that's the extent of it. When we (or I) talk about that 'embracing this season' topic, that's where it ends - with those 3 guys.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Niemo

This Friedman report is so disappointing on so many levels. I will not be spending another dollar on anything Flames until some trades are made that signal otherwise. Cue the 'don't let the door hit you on the way out' or 'good riddance, fake fan' type comments.

Murray Edwards doesn't need my money to pay for Maloney's extension.

What dollars are you currently spending?
Does that include watching games on TV?

You do you, but seems like a dramatic decision to make based on speculation from Friedman.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

That's the whole thing...what people outside the market perceive to be "tearing it down" vs. what we (in our CP conversations) perceive it to be.

I don't think anyone on CP thinks they're talking, or have any desire/hopes to see guys like Backlund, Sharangovich, Weegar, Huberdeau, Coronato, Farabee, Frost sold and out the door for assets - but I think that's what the out of market folk see 'tear it down' as.

Whereas "we" see it as "okay, Andersson is gone...but does Kadri and/or Coleman follow" and that's the extent of it. When we (or I) talk about that 'embracing this season' topic, that's where it ends - with those 3 guys.

Agreed, so absent that specificity it's hard to understand the reaction.

What if they trade Andersson + Kadri, but not Coleman? Is that really a disaster? Particularly if they end up with a high pick.

I don't know the...histrionics from some is just hard to understand.

[NegativeSpace]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

That's the whole thing...what people outside the market perceive to be "tearing it down" vs. what we (in our CP conversations) perceive it to be.

I don't think anyone on CP thinks they're talking, or have any desire/hopes to see guys like Backlund, Sharangovich, Weegar, Huberdeau, Coronato, Farabee, Frost sold and out the door for assets - but I think that's what the out of market folk see 'tear it down' as.

Whereas "we" see it as "okay, Andersson is gone...but does Kadri and/or Coleman follow" and that's the extent of it. When we (or I) talk about that 'embracing this season' topic, that's where it ends - with those 3 guys.

That is a perfectly rational take. However, I think the many disagreements in every thread stems from some saying trade them for anything and do it tomorrow to others who are okay with the team waiting and seeing when they get their price met or they run out of roadway.


Personally, I think that, at some point, Kadri and Coleman are traded between now and next season's trade deadline (in my opinion). It's really when the team is going to do so. So, we agree that all three are gone. I'm just okay with it being next season as opposed to this one.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by NegativeSpace

That is a perfectly rational take. However, I think the many disagreements in every thread stems from some saying trade them for anything and do it tomorrow to others who are okay with the team waiting and seeing when they get their price met or they run out of roadway.


Personally, I think that, at some point, Kadri and Coleman are traded between now and next season's trade deadline (in my opinion). It's really when the team is going to do so. So, we agree that all three are gone. I'm just okay with it being next season as opposed to this one.

I can understand folks being frustrated if Kadri doesn't go this year, as it seems higher risk that his value could drop next year if he doesn't keep up his production.

Andersson needs to go this season. I think we all agree there and it's highly unlikely he doesn't, except for the always looming risk of an injury.

Coleman is the one for me that can go this year or next, and I don't think it dramatically changes the value. He just reeks of the perfect deadline acquisition for a team. But in the meantime, he also has such a positive impact on other players. Young players or struggling guys....just plunk them next to Coleman and Backlund and it seems to do the trick.

[Jason14h]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Games vs Buffalo don’t count.

Lower bowl for $40, first 8 rows of the 200s for $25. Anyone who doesn’t sell them for that is a coward who won’t put their money where their mouth is!

How does reselling your tickets cheap hurt the Flames? You already bought them for full price.

[Rhett44]

Originally Posted by Groot

What if they only trade Andersson and remain bottom 3 until the end of the season then win 1 of the 2 lottery picks? They can still trade Coleman and Kadri next season. And yes, there's a chance they can fall off in skill any moment, but thats been said for a while for both and neither indicate any pending plummet in their play that would erode their value

I would be happy to win the lottery but annoyed we did not trade those players to accumulate more picks while their value is still high.

Likely a moot point anyways, because regardless of the standings position, we have been closing the gap on everyone above us. If we win tomorrow, we are tied for 10th last and jump up like 7 spots.

I cannot see us picking top 3 if we keep Kadri and Coleman.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

I can understand folks being frustrated if Kadri doesn't go this year, as it seems higher risk that his value could drop next year if he doesn't keep up his production.

Andersson needs to go this season. I think we all agree there and it's highly unlikely he doesn't, except for the always looming risk of an injury.

Coleman is the one for me that can go this year or next, and I don't think it dramatically changes the value. He just reeks of the perfect deadline acquisition for a team. But in the meantime, he also has such a positive impact on other players. Young players or struggling guys....just plunk them next to Coleman and Backlund and it seems to do the trick.

This is also exactly where I’d sit.

It’d be nice to see Coleman go, because we have a bit of a log jam and maybe we’d see a larger injection of youth in the back half of the season…but that guy is going to return a 1st this year or next. So, whichever.

I think Andersson is a must-go (contract) and Kadri (value vs. age) is right there too.

So if I, Mr. “We need a top 3-4 pick” were to lay out my criteria for grading this season:

Scenario 1: Andersson is the only one traded. Letter grade: D

Scenario 2: Andersson + Kadri or Coleman is traded. Letter grade: B+

Scenario 3: Andersson + Kadri + Coleman are all traded. Letter grade: A+

Scenario 1 just isn’t proactive enough, and doesn’t do enough to maximize this year’s draft value. Scenario 2 is proactive, moves the needle on assets coming back and on pumping up our own pick value. Scenario 3 is a home run.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

"they're going to let this year play out, they're not going to do short-term fixes and they're going to try and get the best pick they can"

Isn't this all stuff we want to hear?
I guess people are reacting to the "they aren't going to tear it down?".

But I don't think that necessarily means they won't trade one of Coleman, Kadri or both.

I think the concern, with the comments you quoted, is with the bold. Pretty easy to interpret that as not doing anything, not trading anyone, just see how things go.

We've had 12 months of inaction, it's time to step up and start actually pushing forward.

And trading vets is not a 'short term fix' in anyone's eyes, anyway. A short term fix is going to grab a UFA to plug a hole. Trading vets to build for the future is the opposite of that.

So it's pretty easy to react negatively to those comments. And, like Royle9, I don't think Friedman's comments are accurate. But if it turns out that they are, it will become difficult to continue to support the team with STs.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

This is also exactly where I’d sit.

It’d be nice to see Coleman go, because we have a bit of a log jam and maybe we’d see a larger injection of youth in the back half of the season…but that guy is going to return a 1st this year or next. So, whichever.

I think Andersson is a must-go (contract) and Kadri (value vs. age) is right there too.

So if I, Mr. “We need a top 3-4 pick” were to lay out my criteria for grading this season:

Scenario 1: Andersson is the only one traded. Letter grade: D

Scenario 2: Andersson + Kadri or Coleman is traded. Letter grade: B+

Scenario 3: Andersson + Kadri + Coleman are all traded. Letter grade: A+

I agree with this... Just trading Andersson this year is a D - just not good enough. Andersson plus one of the other two is a B, the minimum to be considered pro-active. And all three is an A.

I also think it makes a difference if they can get one of the trades done pre-Olympics - I think that sets to tone, and the direction, for the year. Yes, the return matters, but if anyone thinks the return is going to change significantly between January and March, I think you're dreaming. What matters here is how the Flames approach it.

Teams are ready to go. The value of the players is known. Make it happen.

[Rhett44]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

This is also exactly where I’d sit.

It’d be nice to see Coleman go, because we have a bit of a log jam and maybe we’d see a larger injection of youth in the back half of the season…but that guy is going to return a 1st this year or next. So, whichever.

I think Andersson is a must-go (contract) and Kadri (value vs. age) is right there too.

So if I, Mr. “We need a top 3-4 pick” were to lay out my criteria for grading this season:

Scenario 1: Andersson is the only one traded. Letter grade: D

Scenario 2: Andersson + Kadri or Coleman is traded. Letter grade: B+

Scenario 3: Andersson + Kadri + Coleman are all traded. Letter grade: A+

Scenario 1 just isn’t proactive enough, and doesn’t do enough to maximize this year’s draft value. Scenario 2 is proactive, moves the needle on assets coming back and on pumping up our own pick value. Scenario 3 is a home run.

For me, Coleman does not really move the needle. It has to be both Kadri and Andersson, or it is an F from me for a grade.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

For me, Coleman does not really move the needle. It has to be both Kadri and Andersson, or it is an F from me for a grade.

I’d agree generally, but I’m just looking for any real level of proactive movement.

Expectations are low.

I think, as Frank S said, the offers for Kadri will good enough that he is likely to be the 2nd one dealt.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I think the concern, with the comments you quoted, is with the bold. Pretty easy to interpret that as not doing anything, not trading anyone, just see how things go.

We've had 12 months of inaction, it's time to step up and start actually pushing forward.

And trading vets is not a 'short term fix' in anyone's eyes, anyway. A short term fix is going to grab a UFA to plug a hole. Trading vets to build for the future is the opposite of that.

So it's pretty easy to react negatively to those comments. And, like Royle9, I don't think Friedman's comments are accurate. But if it turns out that they are, it will become difficult to continue to support the team with STs.

Agree with this assessment.

The 7 . 2 and 1 run or whatever its been is this team basically at its best. Do i think that they could keep that pace over another 50 games or so? Nope! Possible is suppose. This is the peak of this team the bubble. Having 2 35+ centers is foolish structurally we MAY have a number one defender yet to be determined. Have two second guy first pairing, or first guy second pairing defenders one needs a retirement contract that i think will age poorly and one approaching 35. Structurally the team is unsound and im not sure how anybody ( cough maloney ) sees it otherwise.

I mentioned before that this is one of the rare times that flames haves match league wants and i think it would be utterly foolish to not take advantage of that. Kadri is not going to get better nor is Backs, and this is probably peak Andersson.

The question is is what is a rebuild and what is a rebiggle? Rebuild to me would be jettisoning frost , Weegar, Zary so on.

To me the right approach is take advantage of the market on declining players and rebiggle! Andersson for sure, coleman for sure this year. Kadri you keep until someone blows your socks off, we need to still play a team and you keep good relations with the player.

If someone offers gold for some of our bronze do it but that would be my gameplan for this year.

[Rhett44]

Originally Posted by Fan69

Agree with this assessment.

The 7 . 2 and 1 run or whatever its been is this team basically at its best. Do i think that they could keep that pace over another 50 games or so? Nope! Possible is suppose. This is the peak of this team the bubble. Having 2 35+ centers is foolish structurally we MAY have a number one defender yet to be determined. Have two second guy first pairing, or first guy second pairing defenders one needs a retirement contract that i think will age poorly and one approaching 35. Structurally the team is unsound and im not sure how anybody ( cough maloney ) sees it otherwise.

I mentioned before that this is one of the rare times that flames haves match league wants and i think it would be utterly foolish to not take advantage of that. Kadri is not going to get better nor is Backs, and this is probably peak Andersson.

The question is is what is a rebuild and what is a rebiggle? Rebuild to me would be jettisoning frost , Weegar, Zary so on.

To me the right approach is take advantage of the market on declining players and rebiggle! Andersson for sure, coleman for sure this year. Kadri you keep until someone blows your socks off, we need to still play a team and you keep good relations with the player.

If someone offers gold for some of our bronze do it but that would be my gameplan for this year.

If they trade Kadri and Coleman, they are rebuilding. You don't need to trade every vet player, just the ones where it is a no brainer to trade them.