2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It's funny how so many Canadian teams follow the same path of not fully committing to a rebuild. Vancouver and Ottawa totally botched their rebuilds and now one team is rebuilding again and the other is stuck in the mushy middle. There's a reason that Canadian teams aren't winning Stanley Cups and it's because the teams just haven't been managed as well as some of the American teams are. The moment any of them find a small handful of young, promising talent, ownership/management immediately starts looking to accelerate the rebuilds and before you know it, they are back where they started with nothing to show for it.

I don't think that's it exactly. My thoughts on why Cdn teams are more concerned about full rebuilds:

In most US markets, there are multiple sports teams, between football, baseball, basketball and hockey. There is always more than one team, and often 4 or 5 or even more. So the way it typically works for fans is that when a team is bad and has to rebuild, it's no problem because the fan simply focuses on another team. When the Hawks are rebuilding, I just pay more attention to the Cubs. Or the Bears. Or whichever team is in a better place. So fans never have to get too worked up about it.

However, in the Cdn cities, other than Toronto, there is only one show in town, and there is only one show that matters. When the team sucks, fans don't simply 'park' their fandom and pick up elsewhere, they tend to react emotionally, and much more directly. It turns into something more like anger, then denial, then indifference. Or hatred. OR who knows what, but it is always emotional.

The result is that Cdn fanbases can be lost. And once lost, it is more difficult to get them back. We have seen that play out, with teams being relocated. And it is an understandable fear from owners.

So I don't think it's bad management from the Cdn teams, I think it's a different mindset from fans, that causes them to tread more carefully.

[TheScorpion]

But like. We haven't seen a Canadian team get relocated in 30 years!

[Enoch Root]

The other thing that I think concerns the Flames' management in particular, is the ability to be competitive, or at least on the rise, when the new building opens.

First, I fully get that being more aggressive CAN expedite the rebuild. But the problem is that it is not guaranteed. If you tear it down, then get unlucky in the draft, it can be several years before you can lift yourself off of the mat.

As fans, we accept the risk. But as owners, with a new building coming, that risk weighs MUCH heavier, and being in a lengthy rebuild at that time would be disastrous for them. It is understandable that they are leery of dipping too low, and prefer to keep things here in the 'retool' level of competitiveness, just in case.

[Lewis_D]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

Some discussion on Twitter about a report that Minnesota would be willing to move a 1st rounder and prospect for Kadri if the flames make him a $5M player.

Since they just traded 2026 I guess it would have to be '27?
Maybe a guy like Heidt could be had

They don't seem like the best trade partner after clearing the shelf in futures for Hughes (although I don't know much about their prospect pool).

But I don't hate the idea of shipping off vet players for picks that aren't all in this draft class, I think it's a good strategy to stagger the 1st rounders you acquire to slightly distribute the age range of your young core, especially if they'll likely be picks in the 20-32 range.

Personally I think if Kadri and Andersson are moved prior to the deadline it will be to teams we likely wouldn't expect at this point in time. The way this season has gone the standings are so tight it feels like we're in 'wait & see' mode still regarding trades.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

But like. We haven't seen a Canadian team get relocated in 30 years!

I'm not suggesting any Cdn teams are being relocated any time soon, I am simply examining the mindsets.

[NegativeSpace]

Originally Posted by stemit14

I think those same teams that have shown interest in Danault are likely interested in Kadri. They are very different players in what they can bring to the team but the cost would also be very different. Danaultis a decent 3rd line center that is strong defensively and likely can be acquired fairly cheap compared to Kadri… maybe even a cap dump swap. Kadri on the other handis a line driving 2nd line center that brings offence, speed and physicality. Plus he is a proven playoff performer. Kadri will for sure cost a 1st round pick + really good prospect.

Montreal is the obvious fit for Danault due to familiarity. Plus they are likely more hesitant to trade good prospect ms and picks because they are usually pretty cautious with those. But they need a Kadri more than a Danault. They struggle against heavy teams and Kadri plays a big game.

I think that the ask for Danault and Kadri is different, making the trades different as well. LA likely wants active players to help them compete now with it being Kopitar's last season. Cgy not so much. So, the players are different and the ask is also different.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Yeah I don't think anyone is pro-panic, but from my side I definitely want to see some more proactive management (as in not riding Kadri through this season as risk increases, and/or not riding Coleman through this season until he's UFA just because we can).

Going back a few pages, for me it still sits as:

Only Andersson dealt gets the management team a "D" ranking.

Andersson + Kadri or Coleman gets them a "B"

All three of them going gets them an "A"

Also, apparently Danault has requested a trade?

https://twitter.com/user/status/2001004979365274106

They were talking about Danault asking out in the Flames broadcast. He'd be a good pickup for a contender, but he's more of a Backlund than a Kadri.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by blankall

I think it just took a while for Crosby and Ovechkin to win. Not all teams have that superstar drafted. Chicago won in Kane's 3rd year and Toews 4th year.

MacKinnon was 9 years after he was drafted. 11 years for Barkov and 10 years for Reinhart/Ekblad/Bennett. McDavid and Draisaitl competing for cups 9-10 years after they were drafted. Crosby got his first early but it was 11-12 years after he was drafted for his others. RoR and Pietrangelo were 10-11 years after. LA won their first 9 years after Richards/Carter/Brown and their second 9 years after Kopitar

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I don't think that's it exactly. My thoughts on why Cdn teams are more concerned about full rebuilds:

In most US markets, there are multiple sports teams, between football, baseball, basketball and hockey. There is always more than one team, and often 4 or 5 or even more. So the way it typically works for fans is that when a team is bad and has to rebuild, it's no problem because the fan simply focuses on another team. When the Hawks are rebuilding, I just pay more attention to the Cubs. Or the Bears. Or whichever team is in a better place. So fans never have to get too worked up about it.

However, in the Cdn cities, other than Toronto, there is only one show in town, and there is only one show that matters. When the team sucks, fans don't simply 'park' their fandom and pick up elsewhere, they tend to react emotionally, and much more directly. It turns into something more like anger, then denial, then indifference. Or hatred. OR who knows what, but it is always emotional.

The result is that Cdn fanbases can be lost. And once lost, it is more difficult to get them back. We have seen that play out, with teams being relocated. And it is an understandable fear from owners.

So I don't think it's bad management from the Cdn teams, I think it's a different mindset from fans, that causes them to tread more carefully.

TBH I think your point should actually be the opposite. Owners in those US markets should actually be more impatient because they don't want to give the competitors in market more time to steal your fanbase.

In the other markets with more competition there should be more risk of losing your fan base permanently. They bounce around and might come back when you are good again, but you might have a harder time creating those "hardcore" fans.

In Canadian markets I don't think you are ever truly at risk at actually losing your hardcore fanbase unless you fail so bad for so long that you don't build younger generations of fans that care about the product. You will lose the casual fans that only want to see winning, but you won't lose your core fanbase.

I actually think the Flames issue right now is that they are at risk of losing the younger fanbase.

They've had such a long period where they've been able to consistently sustain success, and in recent years have failed at creating super stars that keep the younger generations engaged like Iggy and Gaudreau did.

And even with Gaudreau he was a very entertaining player, and was very relatable for kids, but due to the lack of post season and team success I don't think he reached the heights that other superstars do in their markets.

Flames really need to get a super star and have some team success to re-engage the U-21 fans in this market. If you are 21 or under at this point you weren't even alive when we made the finals in 2004, wouldn't remember the peak of Iggy's career, and the peak of your Flames memories would be a Gaudreau OT winner against Dallas before the most painful defeat to your biggest rivals. Not exactly much positive to build a fanbase around over the last 21 years.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

MacKinnon was 9 years after he was drafted. 11 years for Barkov and 10 years for Reinhart/Ekblad/Bennett. McDavid and Draisaitl competing for cups 9-10 years after they were drafted. Crosby got his first early but it was 11-12 years after he was drafted for his others. RoR and Pietrangelo were 10-11 years after. LA won their first 9 years after Richards/Carter/Brown and their second 9 years after Kopitar

I don’t know if we can count traded players in this.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

TBH I think your point should actually be the opposite. Owners in those US markets should actually be more impatient because they don't want to give the competitors in market more time to steal your fanbase.

In the other markets with more competition there should be more risk of losing your fan base permanently. They bounce around and might come back when you are good again, but you might have a harder time creating those "hardcore" fans.

In Canadian markets I don't think you are ever truly at risk at actually losing your hardcore fanbase unless you fail so bad for so long that you don't build younger generations of fans that care about the product. You will lose the casual fans that only want to see winning, but you won't lose your core fanbase.

I actually think the Flames issue right now is that they are at risk of losing the younger fanbase.

They've had such a long period where they've been able to consistently sustain success, and in recent years have failed at creating super stars that keep the younger generations engaged like Iggy and Gaudreau did.

And even with Gaudreau he was a very entertaining player, and was very relatable for kids, but due to the lack of post season and team success I don't think he reached the heights that other superstars do in their markets.

Flames really need to get a super star and have some team success to re-engage the U-21 fans in this market. If you are 21 or under at this point you weren't even alive when we made the finals in 2004, wouldn't remember the peak of Iggy's career, and the peak of your Flames memories would be a Gaudreau OT winner against Dallas before the most painful defeat to your biggest rivals. Not exactly much positive to build a fanbase around over the last 21 years.

But it's happening constantly - they already know how it will play out. Teams in their market have rebuilt many times. And fans simply shift their focus from sport to sport, but never totally throw in the towel, they just wait.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by NegativeSpace

With all due respect, Coleman and Kadri are different from the rest of the players listed here, particularly as they have the rings to prove that. When they talk about what it takes to win, I am sure that younger players listen more closely. That does not mean I want the team to hold on to these players this year, but let's look honestly at the basis for the team wanting them around. I still think it makes sense to trade them this year, but there is a good argument for holding on to them for "culture".


Brouwer, Bollig, and Neal were mistakes, but I do not think that they were made as part of trying to bring in a winning culture. At least Brouwer and Neal were made because Treliving went with the best option available for a right wing depth scorer. He paid too much for a bad fit in both cases. He was not patient for when the right person to come available. That team never really found a right winger and Matthew had to be put to right wing when Sutter came back.

They aren't different, and there are plenty of players with rings, like Lomberg for example. Let's entertain the idea that they're the only culture setters on the team. At what point does said "culture" the two players bring become transferable to the likes of Coronato, Zary, Frost, Farabee, and so on? Because if said "culture" disappears as soon as the player moves on, then I would argue that "culture" is worthless.

As for the 2nd part, I don't think it was a case of impatience, as much as a lack of understanding/pro-scouting of who that right person was.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

But it's happening constantly - they already know how it will play out. Teams in their market have rebuilt many times. And fans simply shift their focus from sport to sport, but never totally throw in the towel, they just wait.

Yeah that's fair...but also shows that it still isn't really a reason for Canadian teams to be afraid of that.

If in markets with more competition, and more reason to not come back, the fans still come back, then in your market you would have to believe the fans would also come back.

To me the real question is how much does corporate support and attendance truly dwindle.

To me the floor in Calgary is probably about 15.5k, think that's around where it bottomed out in the Young Guns era.

Right now they are sitting around 17.5k and the peak attendance is 19.0k.

Personally I think if they committed to a true rebuild, and were bad for like 2-3 seasons but added entertaining young pieces they wouldn't drop below the 17.5k, especially with the new arena opening.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Yeah that's fair...but also shows that it still isn't really a reason for Canadian teams to be afraid of that.

If in markets with more competition, and more reason to not come back, the fans still come back, then in your market you would have to believe the fans would also come back.

To me the real question is how much does corporate support and attendance truly dwindle.

To me the floor in Calgary is probably about 15.5k, think that's around where it bottomed out in the Young Guns era.

Right now they are sitting around 17.5k and the peak attendance is 19.0k.

Personally I think if they committed to a true rebuild, and were bad for like 2-3 seasons but added entertaining young pieces they wouldn't drop below the 17.5k, especially with the new arena opening.

Young Guns was the glory years for cheap tickets. You could get 5 dollar tickets at ticketmaster. They would announce those crowd sizes but I am assuming that was with thousands of freebies because you could always get free tickets as well. They had a season ticket drive to get to 14,000 in 2000

https://www.salon.com/2000/06/26/bounds_7/

The Calgary Flames say it’s likely they’ll reach their self-imposed goal of selling 14,000 season tickets by their deadline of Friday, which would ensure that the struggling team will stay in town. The Flames sold 121 tickets Saturday, bringing the total to 13,143 with six days to go. Similar ticket drives in Edmonton often see a late surge in sales.

Flames season-ticket sales have sagged from 17,000 to below 9,000 in the past six years as the team has struggled on the ice. The Flames haven’t made the playoffs in four years, and haven’t won a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 1989. They moved to Calgary from Atlanta in 1980.

There was no world back then that their walk up crowd was 6500-7000 paying customers. Back in the day you could pick whatever seat you wanted to sit in at the game in the lower bowl, nobody was at the games. So you could spend 5 bucks for the ticket and then just sit in the most expensive seats in the Dome. Suspect the actual paid attendance was around 10,000 back in those days.

[Knut]

I am fine with hanging onto Kadri and Coleman and them dealing Andersson. As long as they keep collecting picks, picking for skill and IQ, and investing resources to develop them. Keep your cap space open. Build up with waves of solid young players. Maybe you win a lotto and get a high pick, but I would argue that they already have a Star goalie (Wolf) and a high chance of having 3 other stars (Parekh, Reschny and Gridin). Keep swinging for the fences on the picks. In my opinion you need to veteran guys around to help transition the young players into valuable NHLers.

IF you have a tonne of young valuable assets you can move them for a Superstar (Eichel, Quinn Hughes are examples) and still have the depth to compete. Do not move the picks/prospects for depth vets (exception being late picks for help at the deadline if you are in the playoffs).

It is highly likely that both this year and next the Flames are selecting top 10 and always have a chance to be a lotto winner to get a top pick.

I caveat this with ALL Veterans should always be available if a high asking price is met.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

I don’t know if we can count traded players in this.

They are the best players on their team but in the cases where I brought up a traded player those teams had drafted players that fit that criteria

[TheScorpion]

On Insider Trading just now:

"I don't know if he's next, I think this is still gonna need some work, but what I am hearing is that the Calgary Flames suddenly got more calls on Rasmus Andersson after the Quinn Hughes trade. That's not surprising, there aren't going to be that many top-four defencemen moving between now and the March 6 trade deadline ... One thing I should mention is that one team that has circled back on Rasmus Andersson is the Toronto Maple Leafs. We know the Leafs tried to trade for Andersson last year at the deadline, and why I mention Toronto is that my understanding is the Leafs would be one of those teams that Andersson would perhaps consider extending with."

[flambers]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Yeah that's fair...but also shows that it still isn't really a reason for Canadian teams to be afraid of that.

If in markets with more competition, and more reason to not come back, the fans still come back, then in your market you would have to believe the fans would also come back.

To me the real question is how much does corporate support and attendance truly dwindle.

To me the floor in Calgary is probably about 15.5k, think that's around where it bottomed out in the Young Guns era.

Right now they are sitting around 17.5k and the peak attendance is 19.0k.

Personally I think if they committed to a true rebuild, and were bad for like 2-3 seasons but added entertaining young pieces they wouldn't drop below the 17.5k, especially with the new arena opening.

Status quo might hurt the attendance more than anything

Flames very well could finish the season similar as last season just with a couple less points (missing by 3 points is my guess)

Just not getting low enough to ever draft the blue chippers.

[Royle9]

Brads been told the price is Knies, so good luck Bradley.

[TheScorpion]

Honestly if the Flames are saying they want Knies for Rasmus, the Leafs aren't the crazy ones in that conversation