2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[sureLoss]

https://twitter.com/user/status/2015981051365957712

[Knut]

Maybe the Flames should make these other teams make the moves now. Conroy must read the urgency here and should be doing all he can to make the vocal minority happy.

[Super-Rye]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Well they weren't going to trade Frost a few weeks after they gave up a 2nd to get him. But I suspect this year's draft will be interesting on that front. If the Flames look to move him at that point he might be the most appealing centre available.

That makes sense. Frost has for a while now seemed like the odd man out.

A lot of talk in this thread about Frost or Kerins, but I think you move Frost to make room for Zary to play center full time. Zary's going to be better player in short order i think and I like how he's looked at center at times this season. Moving him to center full time also helps free up another spot on the wing which this team so desperately needs to do going into next season.

I'd also love to see Kerin's get a real look but I expect he's more of a tweener. Still, I'd rather find out with him in a Flames jersey.

[ComixZone]

Listening to Flames Talk.

Pat and Logan definitely on the side that Kadri getting dealt is a “55-45” likelihood, Flames would likely be willing to retain if the package would make it worth their while, but both question whether anyone is going to be willing to meet what the Flames need to make that deal. There’s no urgency in dealing Kadri due to his contract status (and both cite age and contract status as a problem in drawing interest). Also note the Flames are working with Kadri’s team, and will work with his team because Kadri has to be excited to be going where he gets dealt to maximize interest.

Makes it sound like Kadri is unlikely…but that if the Flames get approached with offers on other guys, they’ll be open to them (notes Pachal, Hanley, Frost, Farabee, and kind of tossed Weegar into that)…lots of hedging on the Flames don’t need to do anything before the deadline.

Of note, Pat says trading veterans was not in the Flames plan coming into the season. It wasn’t until two months ago the Flames began considering it.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I would think that Kadri gets traded this season, and then Frost the next (either around the draft, or at the deadline). Neither of them make much sense for the Flames long-term. I think Zary gets a long look at center starting this deadline.

These are whom I would call prospects left on the Wranglers with any real upside at all. This may be a bit controversial, but that's how I see it (and I am counting Parekh as a player on the Flames, not on the Wranglers):
Sergeev
Say
Morin
Suniev
King
Stromgren

Kerins - too slow and and just looks overwhelmed in the NHL. Prospects camp/early preseason he looks fine, but against NHL'ers, he looks 2 steps behind to me and completely overwhelmed. I think he has good smarts out there, but I don't think he makes the threshold. He turns 24 in April, and I consider him a long-shot at best at this point. He becomes an RFA at the end of the season. Will the Flames re-sign him? Probably I think, as much like Phillips was, it is good to have a good skilled AHL vet to play with the upcoming kids.

I really want Ciona to work out. I really loved the pick, and he took gigantic strides with his skating. Last season it looked as if he took another step forward, but his production has taken a hit this season. He just turned 23 this month, so I will give him another year and see where he is at, but I am starting to write-him off completely, unfortunately. Really hoping he proves me wrong. RFA at the end of the season - I think the Flames do re-sign him, however.

Poirier - 32GP 1G 5A 6PTs -16 I assumed he would be challenging for a spot this year, alongside Solovyov and Kuznetsov. Instead, he is having his absolute worst statistical season and has the worst +/- on the Wranglers too. He was never a defensive stalwart, so I am not sure what he has become now. He is turning 24 this year. Becomes an RFA after this season. I think the Flames don't re-sign him.

Morton - He turns 27 this summer. It is clear at the moment that this organization prefers Kirkland over Morton. I thought Morton looked good in the preseason, but thought he looked below replacement-level on the Flames. I don't think there is a player there. RFA at the end of this season - I think the Flames likely bring him back, however.

Bell - Love his size, love his skating, but that's all I find I love about Bell. Fortunately, he turns 23 in September, so I will give him 2 more seasons to find his way, but he has regressed this year as well. 3 points on the year is enough to realize that he is most likely below replacement level in the NHL as his floor in his 2nd pro season. Hopefully he gets it together next season. RFA after this season - no idea if he is re-signed at this point, but he is young enough for another 2 year deal IMO.

Grushnikov - Next to zero in production. 2G 10A 12PTS - doesn't sound terrible for a defensive defencemen, but those are his totals over his first 3 seasons (and this one isn't over yet) since turning pro. That's over 2 different organizations too, and that's under 2 different coaches with the Wranglers. I think Miromanov has a lot more potential as an NHL player, unfortunately. I think there is more potential with Poirier. Grushnikov also becomes waiver eligible next season. RFA after this season. I don't think the Flames bring him back.

Stromgren - some may consider him to have no NHL upside, but I still cautiously disagree. He at least has up until this point (including this season) shown improvement year-over-year. Not a great showing at the NHL level, but that's ok. Hopefully he gets another taste later on this season, and he comes back next season and competes for a spot in camp. If he shows poorly and flat-lines in the AHL next season, maybe I will be down on him then. He is still only 22 right now - turning 23 in the summer. That's 2 years younger than Kerins - so for those that are still pumping Kerins' tires, they should also be pumping up Stromgren still. He might get it still. I bet he has a very good finish to his AHL season. RFA after this season - I think he gets re-signed.

Morin - I am honestly surprised he has been having this difficult of a start to his pro career. Not sure what is going on with him. He looked FANTASTIC at camp right out of the draft - best defencemen on either team I thought in the rookie games, and consistently at that. It has never been the same for him. I am still high on him simply because I saw him consistently play at a high level. Not sure what has changed, but hopefully he can fix it. He is only 20, so still LOTS of room left. He looked like a Giordano-lite out there offensively, defensively and physically. Now he just looks more like an ECHL player. Won't scratch him off the list by any means yet, however. 2 more seasons under contract after this one.



The defencemen - Poirier and Grusnikov - might get re-signed as there isn't a whole lot graduating next season. I believe Hurtig turns pro next year. I don't think he goes to the NCAA, but probably joins the Wranglers instead. Phillps is eligible to go to the AHL next season as he was drafted out of the USHL, but he is heading to the NCAA. I don't think Jamieson turns pro next season. Leander probably stays in Sweden. Maybe the Flames do extend Grushnikov and/or Poirier? They have the room, so perhaps?

The prospects that are in my prospect list don't need write-ups. I think they have been legit prospects with NHL upside so far. Just wrote about Stromgren and Morin simply because I know a lot of posters here have already written them off (and they may end up being right for doing so, but I think it is still a bit premature, especially in Morin's case).


Basha, Battaglia and Laing should all turn pro next season. Not sure if Wiebe will, but probably not - don't think any of the NCAA guys will leave next season unless they have a great camp. I could see Reschny leave and turn pro next season, but I think he goes back for another year in the NCAA.


In two seasons, there will be a big influx of players I think going to the Wranglers. Hopefully Conroy can find some good college UFAs. They normally don't turn into anything, but now and then someone does. Good filler for the AHL roster anyway if nothing else. Maybe Conroy finds the next Hathaway, or Lomberg, right?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

https://twitter.com/user/status/2015981051365957712

Is just me or is it kinda pathetic that the Canucks are basically asking a player's agent to help them because they can't find a trade.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Is just me or is it kinda pathetic that the Canucks are basically asking a player's agent to help them because they can't find a trade.

It tells me there’s little interest in the player, and it isn’t worth the GM’s time to find a buyer when everything else is collapsing around him.

In such cases, it seems like saying, ‘The door is behind you. You’re welcome to use it, assuming you’re smart enough to operate the knob.’

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Is just me or is it kinda pathetic that the Canucks are basically asking a player's agent to help them because they can't find a trade.

It's just you. Flames are working with Kadris camp to accomodate his potential trade destinations. This is fairly common I thought.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by dammage79

It's just you. Flames are working with Kadris camp to accomodate his potential trade destinations. This is fairly common I thought.

Not quite the same thing. Both Jersey with Hamilton and now Vancouver with Kane seem to be telling the agents, ‘If your client wants a trade, you find one yourself.’

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Not quite the same thing. Both Jersey with Hamilton and now Vancouver with Kane seem to be telling the agents, ‘If your client wants a trade, you find one yourself.’

I think, Brad Lambert's reps were given permission to source a spot to go to as well this year.

There's been more than a few news clip the last couple of years of agent been given permission to find a deal. Feel there was one with the caps not long ago.

[kehatch]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Listening to Flames Talk.

Pat and Logan definitely on the side that Kadri getting dealt is a “55-45” likelihood, Flames would likely be willing to retain if the package would make it worth their while, but both question whether anyone is going to be willing to meet what the Flames need to make that deal. There’s no urgency in dealing Kadri due to his contract status (and both cite age and contract status as a problem in drawing interest). Also note the Flames are working with Kadri’s team, and will work with his team because Kadri has to be excited to be going where he gets dealt to maximize interest.

Makes it sound like Kadri is unlikely…but that if the Flames get approached with offers on other guys, they’ll be open to them (notes Pachal, Hanley, Frost, Farabee, and kind of tossed Weegar into that)…lots of hedging on the Flames don’t need to do anything before the deadline.

Of note, Pat says trading veterans was not in the Flames plan coming into the season. It wasn’t until two months ago the Flames began considering it.

I am a bit concerned with several things being said here. Kadri's contract status hurting his trade value contradicts the lack of urgency to trade him. The Flames should attempt to get the most they can for Kadri, but regardless of the return they need to get out from under that contract before Kadri can't be traded.

The bottom paragraph is the most concerning. Flames not planning on trading veterans this season is not surprising, but it shows an intentional lack of self awareness.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by kehatch

I am a bit concerned with several things being said here. Kadri's contract status hurting his trade value contradicts the lack of urgency to trade him. The Flames should attempt to get the most they can for Kadri, but regardless of the return they need to get out from under that contract before Kadri can't be traded.

The bottom paragraph is the most concerning. Flames not planning on trading veterans this season is not surprising, but it shows an intentional lack of self awareness.

I’d certainly say listen to the interview yourself.

Overall sentiment seemed to be:

- there’s no urgency to make any trades
- Flames are open to making trades
- plenty of inconsistencies in approach (Kadri may as well be a Summer trade, value won’t change between now and then…which I always find funny, as it just seems like an excuse for inaction, but that’s just my view)

They did both seem aligned that to them it makes the most sense to trade Coleman now, not later.

I didn’t listen much beyond the first section, but I saw an X post that they also got into a conversation that the organizational mandate to embrace the kids, learn from mistakes etc. is going to come into play sooner rather than later.

I walk away from what I listened to thinking that we will see some more trades of the seller variety, but whether or not that ends up being as significant as a Kadri and/or a Coleman isn’t a sure thing. Should be an interesting stretch after the Olympic break ends.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by dammage79

It's just you. Flames are working with Kadris camp to accomodate his potential trade destinations. This is fairly common I thought.

That’s different - that’s the Flames saying “here are some trades destinations, can you make that work”

This one is “we can’t find any trade destinations - can you?”

[TheScorpion]

It feels like the Flames' organizational mandate changes with the seasons. Come each fall it's back to square one and they really have to faceplant out of the gate to change their minds.

[Rhett44]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

It feels like the Flames' organizational mandate changes with the seasons. Come each fall it's back to square one and they really have to faceplant out of the gate to change their minds.

The Flames have always acted reactively to things, rather than proactively. It is why they generally do not trade players until they absolutely have to when their contract is about to run out.

I would still be shocked if Kadri and Coleman were traded by the deadline. This organization simply does not think long term and has the tendency to think they are smarter than their fans (Maloney interview). I can see them thinking this is a one off fluke year and that we can't trade the vets because we are going to sneak in and make a run next year.

I hope they prove me wrong!

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by kehatch

I am a bit concerned with several things being said here. Kadri's contract status hurting his trade value contradicts the lack of urgency to trade him. The Flames should attempt to get the most they can for Kadri, but regardless of the return they need to get out from under that contract before Kadri can't be traded.

The bottom paragraph is the most concerning. Flames not planning on trading veterans this season is not surprising, but it shows an intentional lack of self awareness.

I don’t expect them to trade Kadri unless they actually get some value out of it. The urgency isn’t really there from a cap or roster standpoint as Frost is likely gone next year

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Is just me or is it kinda pathetic that the Canucks are basically asking a player's agent to help them because they can't find a trade.

You get the agent to try to drum up interest, probably just means nobody wants Kane.

[Southside]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

You get the agent to try to drum up interest, probably just means nobody wants Kane.

Exactly. "Listen we made it known throughout the league that the player is available. There wasn't any interest. If you want to try to find some interest, go ahead and let us know if you succeed."

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I’d certainly say listen to the interview yourself.

Overall sentiment seemed to be:

- there’s no urgency to make any trades
- Flames are open to making trades
- plenty of inconsistencies in approach (Kadri may as well be a Summer trade, value won’t change between now and then…which I always find funny, as it just seems like an excuse for inaction, but that’s just my view)

s.

I don't understand this part either. Why do they have to wait to the final year with guys to trade them, instead of picking a direction. It just lenghtens the rebuild and has a risk of lowering the value of older guys.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Is just me or is it kinda pathetic that the Canucks are basically asking a player's agent to help them because they can't find a trade.

Not a lot of teams willing to employ human dirtbags.
Maybe EDM will take him back…
Short list, maybe he shoulda thought about that.