2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by traptor

It's more so about maximizing the asset (Whitecloud) when I don't think he's a big organizational need currently.


Whitecloud is an attractive asset right now because he has term, no trade protection, cheap and can be eat 4/5 minutes on a contender.

We have:

Bahl - Weegar
Kuznetsov - Brz
Hanley - Pachal
Parekh

Tweeners like:

Mirmanov
Cicek
Grushnikov


Would be nice to just sell high, when it's not really a need.

Hopefully Conroy listens and tries to shop him a bit to see what's out there.

If the return is just a 2nd then I'd hold onto him.

If you can get a 1st, then you should probably do it and move him now.

And who knows maybe you can Brandon Carlo it, and a bidding war turns into a 1st +

No trade protection is what generally facilitates bidding wars, especially from those mid range teams that guys with NTCs aren't as likely to waive for since they want to go to a contender.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by traptor

It's more so about maximizing the asset (Whitecloud) when I don't think he's a big organizational need currently.


Whitecloud is an attractive asset right now because he has term, no trade protection, cheap and can be eat 4/5 minutes on a contender.

We have:

Bahl - Weegar
Kuznetsov - Brz
Hanley - Pachal
Parekh

Tweeners like:

Mirmanov
Cicek
Grushnikov


Would be nice to just sell high, when it's not really a need.

I'm all for moving Whitecloud sometime in the next 2 years. That said, I'm not sure that moving him ASAP, would be selling high. He is having a bit of a down season, and he's signed for 2 more years after this one. Arguably if he plays well with Bahl, or Weegar then his value goes up. Moreover, there won't be too many RD free agents in the off-season, so I could see several teams having interest once they miss out on their prefered free agents.

UFA RD 2026:
Andersson, Raddysh, Liljegren, Peeke, Trouba , Klingberg
35+ club: Carlsson, Burns

That's about it for top 4 candidates, then you have Stetcher, van Riemsdyk, Desharnais, Jensen, Malinski, etc.

The point is that the pickings are pretty slim.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Roko

I hope to be proven wrong but they won’t flip him.

Originally Posted by The EBUG's EBUG

Yea I agree, could see them waiting at least a year...

Originally Posted by Roko

This would be a mistake in my mind. But alas it’s what will happen or longer.

I would prefer they trade him this year too, but seriously, if they don't move him until next year, what difference does it make? The return is going to be basically the same, and he will have been here to protect and shelter Parekh and Brz for a while.

In the grand scheme of things, it's the same result, no?

[Raymones]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

Love this site for this kind of stuff. You got hooked on the team all the way over in Sweden because of Loob, cemented into a lifer by Iggy and then your brother almost got to play for the organization (and I think got married in Calgary)!?

What a cool story and a fantastic connection to the Flames.

This team owes you a couple more cups! Let's hope this upcoming version of the team does exactly that.

Thanks for the kind words! At least I got to see him wearing a Flaming C in one of the pre-season games. The Flames definitely owe all of you die hards a couple of cups!

Indeed he did. The wedding story is in the post below yours (the one I'm responding to right now).

Sorry for derailing the thread. Now for the speculation: I hope Conroy trades one of the RD:s, Coleman and any vet garnering interest, like Lomberg. As many have said, Coleman is the perfect add for a contender and will likely return at least a 1st. A couple of more darts this draft would be lovely!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I would prefer they trade him this year too, but seriously, if they don't move him until next year, what difference does it make? The return is going to be basically the same, and he will have been here to protect and shelter Parekh and Brz for a while.

In the grand scheme of things, it's the same result, no?

Was going to say this. I really doubt there's a lot of premium for a few extra months of Whitecloud. Certainly not a difference worth fussing about.

[Raymones]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Neat!
I was excited when they acquired him as he seemed to have a lot of potential. I always figured he just wasn't a Sutter type unfortunately, just as they dealt Lydman away for next to nothing. It's one of the gaffes that doesn't get much attention, but he went on to play nearly 1000 games in the NHL. And it didn't take long for him to establish himself (as you well know). That next season he had 34 points in 73 games with CBJ.

Lost for nothing. Yuck.

To be fair, as @sureLoss pointed out: Anton had bronchial issues and couldn't stay healthy. He was let go by the Blue Jackets because of it, and if not for the New York specialist, maybe wouldn't have a NHL career at all.

There is a possibility he wouldn't have made it in Calgary, but DAMN it would be nice seeing him in the Flaming C along Iggy and Gio.

[The EBUG's EBUG]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I would prefer they trade him this year too, but seriously, if they don't move him until next year, what difference does it make? The return is going to be basically the same, and he will have been here to protect and shelter Parekh and Brz for a while.

In the grand scheme of things, it's the same result, no?

You're right, different roads to the same town I suppose.

My thinking would just be that if you're going to bottom out the next two years then just do it, don't prolong this thing by keeping a solid defender on the roster just because reasons. I don't think Whitecloud is going to materially change this team's fortunes but if he has good value now in a sellers market as a 29 year old with a great contract then make the move.

Additionally, his market is probably going to be with a bunch of contenders who will be offering picks, contenders tend to be dealing picks that might be a couple years out (See Vegas for Andersson). If this team is trying to be back on the up swing by the time the new rink is open I'd much rather they try and get a 2026 2nd than a 2028 2nd.

[IamNotKenKing]

Originally Posted by 868904

I really don’t think the Flames will bottom out enough for a top 5 pick let alone a top 3.

Whitecloud may be a defensive upgrade on Andersson and should fit Huska’s system perfectly. I think Flames will win enough low scoring games to get them into the 10-15 overall range as usual.

Flames can never tank as well as other teams. Don’t bet against historic behaviour.

Just for clarity, you believe the Flames, currently in 5th last, will make up 5-10 spots on these current deficits:

NYR: 2 points back we have 1 game in hand;
Nash: 4 points back, even games played;
NJD: 4 points back, even games played;
Kings: 5 points back, even games played;
CBJ: 5 points back, even games played;
Ducks: 5 points back, even games played;
Sens: 5 points back, even games played;
Sharks: 5 points back, they have 1 game in hand;
Kraken: 5 points back, they have 1 game in hand; and
Flyers: 6 points back, they have 1 game in hand.

as well as staying ahead of the Blues, Hawks, and Jets, who are 0, 1, and 2 points behind us?

(Note: Canucks omitted as they are truly terrible...)

[AustinL_NHL]

Originally Posted by IamNotKenKing

Just for clarity, you believe the Flames, currently in 5th last, will make up 5-10 spots on these current deficits:

NYR: 2 points back we have 1 game in hand;
Nash: 4 points back, even games played;
NJD: 4 points back, even games played;
Kings: 5 points back, even games played;
CBJ: 5 points back, even games played;
Ducks: 5 points back, even games played;
Sens: 5 points back, even games played;
Sharks: 5 points back, they have 1 game in hand;
Kraken: 5 points back, they have 1 game in hand; and
Flyers: 6 points back, they have 1 game in hand.

as well as staying ahead of the Blues, Hawks, and Jets, who are 0, 1, and 2 points behind us?

(Note: Canucks omitted as they are truly terrible...)

Not to mention the Flames have one of the top 5 hardest remaining strength of schedules, while the glob of 5-6 teams around them are all middle of the pack the rest of the way.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by AustinL_NHL

Not to mention the Flames have one of the top 5 hardest remaining strength of schedules, while the glob of 5-6 teams around them are all middle of the pack the rest of the way.

And they lost their best minute munching and puck moving dman.

[868904]

Originally Posted by IamNotKenKing

Just for clarity, you believe the Flames, currently in 5th last, will make up 5-10 spots on these current deficits:

NYR: 2 points back we have 1 game in hand;
Nash: 4 points back, even games played;
NJD: 4 points back, even games played;
Kings: 5 points back, even games played;
CBJ: 5 points back, even games played;
Ducks: 5 points back, even games played;
Sens: 5 points back, even games played;
Sharks: 5 points back, they have 1 game in hand;
Kraken: 5 points back, they have 1 game in hand; and
Flyers: 6 points back, they have 1 game in hand.

as well as staying ahead of the Blues, Hawks, and Jets, who are 0, 1, and 2 points behind us?

(Note: Canucks omitted as they are truly terrible...)

Yes. I just look at history and I look at the coach. Huska is a good coach and his system works well enough to drag this team out of the top 10. This is still a “mushy middle” roster, it’s not a tank roster. Whitecloud is a defensive upgrade on Andersson, he’s an offensive downgrade so I think we will see more low scoring wins.

I think the other teams are going to tank hard. The Rangers have done it before, they will finish below the Flames. Once the other teams fall off the playoff bubble pace, they will tank. We’ve seen this movie before.

[Enoch Root]

This argument that we swapped Andersson for Whitecloud, and thus won't be able to tank, is truly extraordinary! If Whitecloud is that good, why did VGS throw in a 1st and a 2nd?

Had we traded with BOS, and Lohrei were part of the return, would people be making the same argument? Answer: No, because Lohrei is 25 and therefore not almost 40, and therefore everything is fine.

[Hockey-and_stuff]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

This argument that we swapped Andersson for Whitecloud, and thus won't be able to tank, is truly extraordinary! If Whitecloud is that good, why did VGS throw in a 1st and a 2nd?

Had we traded with BOS, and Lohrei were part of the return, would people be making the same argument? Answer: No, because Lohrei is 25 and therefore not almost 40, and therefore everything is fine.

This defense will not survive losing Andersson, Whitecloud or no.

You think the Flames couldn't move the puck before? Just watch how tonight goes*

*claim void if Markstrom does a Markstrom and lets in 2 of the first 3 shots

[Saqe]

Whitecloud can probably get a 2nd+3rd

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Hockey-and_stuff

This defense will not survive losing Andersson, Whitecloud or no.

You think the Flames couldn't move the puck before? Just watch how tonight goes*

*claim void if Markstrom does a Markstrom and lets in 2 of the first 3 shots

The people that complain about boring 'Huska' hockey, are going to be losing their minds, because our transition game just got a lot worse.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Saqe

Whitecloud can probably get a 2nd+3rd

Flip Whitecloud for a slightly worse Dman and a 2nd and a 3rd.

Then flip that Dman for a slightly worse Dman and a 4th and 5th

Then flip that dman for a 6th and a 7th.

Profit!

[saillias]

On a different note the Devils are kind of funny. They want to trade Dougie Hamilton, obviously. But they apparently expect something in return, refusing to just dump him. And they don't want to retain on 9 million. With 2 more years left and his offense drying up, which was always the only thing he was good at. And he's been very choosy about who he waives to, with a modified 10-team NTC. Good luck to everyone involved!

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Knut

Flip Whitecloud for a slightly worse Dman and a 2nd and a 3rd.

Then flip that Dman for a slightly worse Dman and a 4th and 5th

Then flip that dman for a 6th and a 7th.

Profit!

[Roko]

Originally Posted by The EBUG's EBUG

You're right, different roads to the same town I suppose.

My thinking would just be that if you're going to bottom out the next two years then just do it, don't prolong this thing by keeping a solid defender on the roster just because reasons. I don't think Whitecloud is going to materially change this team's fortunes but if he has good value now in a sellers market as a 29 year old with a great contract then make the move.

Additionally, his market is probably going to be with a bunch of contenders who will be offering picks, contenders tend to be dealing picks that might be a couple years out (See Vegas for Andersson). If this team is trying to be back on the up swing by the time the new rink is open I'd much rather they try and get a 2026 2nd than a 2028 2nd.

My point isn’t that his value will change much. It’s that right now many “playoff teams” are looking for a RD. I’d rather use him to help a team now as long as the return is 2026 pick or current prospect. If it’s 2027 picks then just keep him.

Don’t like him blocking anyone playing time long term. So if you don’t want to block long term, and his value doesn’t change, get some 2026 pieces that may be ready closer to the arena being open.

I’d talk to Buffalo or San Jose or Boston about their first and make a conditional trade on them making playoffs or “the worst 1st they have”.

[getbak]

Remember when Vancouver won 4 in a row immediately after the Quinn trade? Well, after that, reality hit them and they've gone 1-10-2. They have yet to win a game in 2026.

I expect the Flames to have a similar run after the Andersson trade, but probably without the 4 game win streak.