2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[LowellK21]

Originally Posted by DreDayPucks

Breaking: Rasmus may be traded before the season starts, or he may not. Rasmus may be traded by the trade deadline next season, or he may not. He may still resign, or he may not. It’s all I got folks.

Big, if true.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by flambers

Personally in my view, Andersson plays a style where injuries are a concern

If the plan is to trade him, carrying him to the deadline is a mistake

(i.e. he blocks shots etc)

This is a player that ideally needs to go before the season starts,

Certainly that is more ideal because there are all sorts of risks to taking him into the season.

But I just don't see it being a firm deadline that you have to trade him by then, if the prices just aren't good enough.

As you approach the TDL the potential suitors expand which could improve the return.

To be clear, I would prefer to see him traded before the season starts too. Just not at any price.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Craig set a price, he’ll get it.
If that’s now before the season, great and it’s my preference.
But surely at the deadline he’ll get a haul too.

Balls in Andersson’s court, it’s a matter of time.

Here is the post from Royle saying he has set a price.

Show me the post where I said it would not get done this summer. All I said is I think it needs to get done this summer rather than waiting. That is my opinion.

I actually believe that Conroy will get it done now as well.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

And it may have started, or not. Hard to figure out what last year was for him.

It might make sense to see how he starts the year. If it’s like last year’s start, them maybe move him.

I think at worst what we learned last year is that Andersson is better suited for a high 2nd pairing, 2nd level matchups position on a NHL roster.

Keep him there and he's fine.

Elevate him with Chris Tanev gone and you're in trouble.

He can play big minutes but he needs less of that % to be against elite competition.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Can you link to the source of that data?
That ignores the other ways the assets have more value.
A late 1st is more valuable as a trade chip for a player
A late 1st is more valuable to try and move up
A late 1st is more valuable to move down and get more picks.

It's my data is based on my opinion. I tried to label players as fairly as I could. I wouldn't expect anyone to use my data, but I do when I form an opinion. This is what I use to make decision on when I share my opinion or develop strategies in leagues or drafts I'm in

It does not account for trading up, but as we see most drafts, who has traded up from 20-32 range to top 10? Yes, you see pick 26 moved for 32 and other picks as teams have preferences on who is still on the board.

How often do you see a team trade up let say 15+ spots into the prime-time draft range?

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

He has stated, several times, that he learned a lot about the risks of doing so with Johnny and that he wouldn't do that again.

So it would be a big pivot away from that.

But what if the returns are still not that good? He might keep him at the deadline to make the playoffs and risk losing him for nothing.

This is all hypothetical for sure. But I think it is reasonable in this situation to assume the best offer to this point is better than just 1 2nd round pick. Suggesting trading him now for anything and assuming that anything is 2nd round value or less isn't being reasonable. Insiders have said teams have interest in Ras, many sources have labeled him as a top target. Trading him before the season I'm sure lands more than what you are saying is worst case scenario. If the trade got reported this week, I'm shocked if it is less or equal to 1 2nd.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

Here is the post from Royle saying he has set a price.

Show me the post where I said it would not get done this summer. All I said is I think it needs to get done this summer rather than waiting. That is my opinion.

I actually believe that Conroy will get it done now as well.

OK so Royle didn't ever say "waiting for a deal that will never come" as you described it.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

But what if the returns are still not that good? He might keep him at the deadline to make the playoffs and risk losing him for nothing.

This is all hypothetical for sure. But I think it is reasonable in this situation to assume the best offer to this point is better than just 1 2nd round pick. Suggesting trading him now for anything and assuming that anything is 2nd round value or less isn't being reasonable. Insiders have said teams have interest in Ras, many sources have labeled him as a top target. Trading him before the season I'm sure lands more than what you are saying is worst case scenario. If the trade got reported this week, I'm shocked if it is less or equal to 1 2nd.

That's not what I'm doing.
I'm actually trying to demonstrate that the Flames are likely doing what you want them to.

You are saying you would trade him before the season starts.
You have further clarified that you wouldn't do so for any price. That a minimum price has to be met. You haven't clarified exactly what that is, but something more than a 2nd.

So I don't know why you don't think that's exactly what the Flames are doing. They likely have a minimum price that has to be met for them to trade him now, thereby bypassing the opportunity to trade him later for a potentially better return.

Where there could be a difference, which is a complete unknown, is if you value the benefit of trading him now (potential of improving the Flames pick, opportunities for younger players) more than Conroy does. But again, that's a total unknown.

Unless I'm misunderstanding your posts suggest you think the Flames are not handling this correctly somehow.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

That's not what I'm doing.
I'm actually trying to demonstrate that the Flames are likely doing what you want them to.

You are saying you would trade him before the season starts.
You have further clarified that you wouldn't do so for any price. That a minimum price has to be met. You haven't clarified exactly what that is, but something more than a 2nd.

So I don't know why you don't think that's exactly what the Flames are doing. They likely have a minimum price that has to be met for them to trade him now, thereby bypassing the opportunity to trade him later for a potentially better return.

Where there could be a difference, which is a complete unknown, is if you value the benefit of trading him now (potential of improving the Flames pick, opportunities for younger players) more than Conroy does. But again, that's a total unknown.

Unless I'm misunderstanding your posts suggest you think the Flames are not handling this correctly somehow.

Show me the post that said I don't think the Flames are handling it properly? I'm just sharing my opinion that I think it needs to be done this summer, and I don't think the Flames will get a ton more at the deadline (mainly because IMO a ton more needs to be inside a top 20 1st as a late 1st isn't much better that a 2nd).

If you look at recent history where picks are traded and teams get burnt by trading picks and their team is disappointing. These trades more often than not happen in the off season.

Markstrom - pick ended up being top 20
Hamonic - that one almost burnt us
Kessel - Leafs tanked after that trade

NYR with Miller got burnt but they did protect it to have the choice.

[Jiri Hrdina]

OK but if they don't get it done this summer will you assume they screwed up or miss-handled it?

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I think at worst what we learned last year is that Andersson is better suited for a high 2nd pairing, 2nd level matchups position on a NHL roster.

Keep him there and he's fine.

Elevate him with Chris Tanev gone and you're in trouble.

He can play big minutes but he needs less of that % to be against elite competition.

OR: have a partner that's better than he is. I'm sure he could handle first-pairing assignments if his partner was, for example, Miro Heiskanen or Rasmus Dahlin.

[traptor]

Originally Posted by flambers

Personally in my view, Andersson plays a style where injuries are a concern

If the plan is to trade him, carrying him to the deadline is a mistake

(i.e. he blocks shots etc)

This is a player that ideally needs to go before the season starts,

100%. I hope they do a risk analysis and evaluate what the risk of carrying him into the season is worth.

It seems like a huge risk in hopes of getting a slightly better package. Which there is also no guarantee that even if he is healthy, someone will pony up more at the deadline.

[traptor]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Certainly that is more ideal because there are all sorts of risks to taking him into the season.

But I just don't see it being a firm deadline that you have to trade him by then, if the prices just aren't good enough.

As you approach the TDL the potential suitors expand which could improve the return.

To be clear, I would prefer to see him traded before the season starts too. Just not at any price.

I don't think it's a firm deadline but you have to account for what the risk is worth.


Is the *potentially* (not gurantted to be smaller) smaller offseason package worth less then the TDL Package - Risk


If someone is offering a roughly a 1st + 2nd worth of value, I'm taking it.

I'm not holding out for another 2nd. I think I even just take the Hanifin-esque package right now.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Certainly that is more ideal because there are all sorts of risks to taking him into the season.

But I just don't see it being a firm deadline that you have to trade him by then, if the prices just aren't good enough.

As you approach the TDL the potential suitors expand which could improve the return.

To be clear, I would prefer to see him traded before the season starts too. Just not at any price.

Agreed, firm deadline is likely never going to happen.

Its a case, where if the player for example breaks a bone,

This would obviously impact the return

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by traptor

100%. I hope they do a risk analysis and evaluate what the risk of carrying him into the season is worth.

It seems like a huge risk in hopes of getting a slightly better package. Which there is also no guarantee that even if he is healthy, someone will pony up more at the deadline.

No offence but we’re talking about a multi-billion dollar business dealing with a multi-million dollar asset. Shouldn’t we assume they are entirely aware of the risks and rewards of how they’re managing said asset? Hoping they are suggests there’s a chance they aren’t, and I think we have to have a minimum level of confidence that they’re competent.

This is like the Kadri NMC thing, “they should ask! it doesn’t hurt to ask!” OK but they’re professionals actually doing the job many of us pretend to do for a few minutes a day on the internet (and in those few minutes we’re the best at it ever). I’m entirely confident they have all the basics covered that it’s not even worth considering. There are a lot of guys in that room who have done this for a long time.

Andersson will move when the deal makes sense. No point is making up our own deadlines and fretting about not hitting imaginary markers.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

No offence but we’re talking about a multi-billion dollar business dealing with a multi-million dollar asset. Shouldn’t we assume they are entirely aware of the risks and rewards of how they’re managing said asset? Hoping they are suggests there’s a chance they aren’t, and I think we have to have a minimum level of confidence that they’re competent.

This is like the Kadri NMC thing, “they should ask! it doesn’t hurt to ask!” OK but they’re professionals actually doing the job many of us pretend to do for a few minutes a day on the internet (and in those few minutes we’re the best at it ever). I’m entirely confident they have all the basics covered that it’s not even worth considering. There are a lot of guys in that room who have done this for a long time.

Andersson will move when the deal makes sense. No point is making up our own deadlines and fretting about not hitting imaginary markers.

Not sure, when Tanev was traded, there was lots of discussion on this topic.

In that case, they never played him, the final couple of games

Media has also mentioned this with Andersson, (Fan960)

Risk management for sure, is there a risk. Absolutely,

(i.e. he was hurt last season)

[Wolven]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

Whatever the best offer he gets is by the time the seasons starts. I don't have enough details to say exactly what that is, but I can assume that whatever the offer is, trade deadline can only be so much better.

My point is, if the offer is Bertucci and a 2nd now, no way it will be Bertucci and 2 1sts at the deadline. Maybe 1.

It feels like you are just trying to have the Stars bid against themselves and throw out a lowball garbage offer and expect the Flames to just say yes for funsies.

I still think we should crowd source our collective ideas for the team's various pitches, this is where I am:
- Stars (cup push) = Bertucci + 2nd (your suggestion), I am guessing they are offering 2027 1st + (but not the C we want)
- VGK (cup push) = 2027 1st + (self sabotage for the Flames to trade with them)
- Hurricanes (cup push) = Stars 2026 1st +
- Leafs (playoff push) = 2028 1st and ???
- Blues (playoff push) = 2026 1st (with protections) +
- Red Wings (regular season push) = 2026 1st (with protections) +
- Bruins (regular season push) = Bruins or Leafs 2026 1st
- Sabres (regular season push) = Byram
- Sharks (regular season push) = Oilers 2026 1st + Bystedt???

The playoff teams really do not have a lot to work with but the non-playoff teams with assets to burn would keep the lowball offers away. IMO all of these are lowball offers that would be equivalent to Andersson as a rental (similar to Hanifin).

I expect that Conroy's price is closer to 2 firsts or one young C that is worth 2 1sts. Based on the market and timing, Conroy needs to assume that any team that acquires Andersson will extend him (but you cannot make that a condition of the trade anymore).

[Circa89]

Originally Posted by flambers

Personally in my view, Andersson plays a style where injuries are a concern

If the plan is to trade him, carrying him to the deadline is a mistake

(i.e. he blocks shots etc)

This is a player that ideally needs to go before the season starts,

The same Logic can be applied to the receiving team. Why would i trade for him now, assume all the injury all season and not have him for the playoffs, Or I can aquire him at the deadline for the playoff run if healthy , no risk to the potential aquistion team if if he was injured come trade deadline...

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Wolven

It feels like you are just trying to have the Stars bid against themselves and throw out a lowball garbage offer and expect the Flames to just say yes for funsies.

I still think we should crowd source our collective ideas for the team's various pitches, this is where I am:
- Stars (cup push) = Bertucci + 2nd (your suggestion), I am guessing they are offering 2027 1st + (but not the C we want)
- VGK (cup push) = 2027 1st + (self sabotage for the Flames to trade with them)
- Hurricanes (cup push) = Stars 2026 1st +
- Leafs (playoff push) = 2028 1st and ???
- Blues (playoff push) = 2026 1st (with protections) +
- Red Wings (regular season push) = 2026 1st (with protections) +
- Bruins (regular season push) = Bruins or Leafs 2026 1st
- Sabres (regular season push) = Byram
- Sharks (regular season push) = Oilers 2026 1st + Bystedt???

The playoff teams really do not have a lot to work with but the non-playoff teams with assets to burn would keep the lowball offers away. IMO all of these are lowball offers that would be equivalent to Andersson as a rental (similar to Hanifin).

I expect that Conroy's price is closer to 2 firsts or one young C that is worth 2 1sts. Based on the market and timing, Conroy needs to assume that any team that acquires Andersson will extend him (but you cannot make that a condition of the trade anymore).

You just said that the price should be higher in the off season than as a rental at the deadline. I believe that Conroy would have had many discussions on Ras at this point. Maybe his ask is similar to yours and he does want 2 1sts and a young center worth 2 1sts. IMO that is way too much.

Summer isn't over, someone might cave but I doubt it is that much.

My point is still, if 4-8 teams are in on this, Conroy has already had discussions with all of them, probably many times. I'm ok if he wants to play hardball for 6-8 more weeks to get what he wants, but if there is no budge, I don't think the offers are going to get as good as you are listing at the deadline. IMO if you factor in the risks, factor in we have a few depth dmen signed and 2-3 prospects that deserve to be on the team...trading him now is better. I don't see the offers getting a ton better at the deadline, but player development and risk for is worth coming off your list of demands by quite a bit to get the deal done now.

Not all 1sts are equal, protection is great but most teams only top 10 protect.

Detroit - if their 1st is in play, even if that 1st is top 10 protected, it should be much more valuable to add then the Leafs 1st in 2028. I get you had ??? in there, but even a 2nd isn't worth the chance at that pick being 11-15 OV.

Same goes for the Blues

If either of those teams finish in the bottom 10, they will be giving up an unprotected 1st in 2027. I'd do that right now no addition.

Most of those 1sts you have are likely late 1sts. Bertucci seems to be a player ranked in and around the top 100 prospects. What do you say is his value? He was drafted 61 OV, but has his stock gone up since draft day? 2023 draft was supposed to be 50 deep, where was he ranked before the draft? Bob had him 57 as an example. Is he worth let's say Carolina's 1st?

Everyone always just throws out 1sts, but not all 1sts are equal and taking a 20-year-old who stock has risen vs an 18-year-old a year from now? I think scouts have a better success rate as time goes on and IMO Bertucci is worth a 1st. Hemming is another guy I would like to add for Ras. I'm ok with a 2nd with either, maybe even a 3rd.

[traptor]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

No offence but we’re talking about a multi-billion dollar business dealing with a multi-million dollar asset. Shouldn’t we assume they are entirely aware of the risks and rewards of how they’re managing said asset? Hoping they are suggests there’s a chance they aren’t, and I think we have to have a minimum level of confidence that they’re competent.

This is like the Kadri NMC thing, “they should ask! it doesn’t hurt to ask!” OK but they’re professionals actually doing the job many of us pretend to do for a few minutes a day on the internet (and in those few minutes we’re the best at it ever). I’m entirely confident they have all the basics covered that it’s not even worth considering. There are a lot of guys in that room who have done this for a long time.

Andersson will move when the deal makes sense. No point is making up our own deadlines and fretting about not hitting imaginary markers.

I get what you're saying, but I think we'd all be surprised at how often there are gap, even in high-level professional organizations.

Just because it’s a billion-dollar business doesn’t mean every decision is airtight. Do you honestly look at every move GMs across the league make and think, “Yep, that’s a fully competent, well-thought-out decision”? Mistakes happen all the time, even from seasoned execs, which CC is not yet.

I get that this is "our" organization, and we want to assume the best and that every decision they made is optimal given the information they have but that's just not true. Professionals make mistakes all the time.

There are also other factors that I'm sure we typically don't consider or give much weight to, which they weigh much more heavily and we would probably disagree with. To add onto that, everyone has there biases. I'm sure there's internal disagreements all the time with what the best moves are.