2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

If Owen Beck is so good, then the Canadiens can count on him as their future 2C and shouldnt be so concerned about giving up Hage!

That is true. You either way to win now and next year when you have Demidov and Kapanen on ELC's or you try to win in 2-3 years time when you have 63 million bucks of cap space to sign 16 players and Demidov and Kapanen are eating up 16 million of that and you have 47 million left over for 14 players (about 3.3 million a player) and you need to sign 8 forwards, 4 dmen and 2 goalies for that 47 million.

Habs have 2 years where they have a very beneficial cap situation. Maybe they think they have a cup winning team now or maybe they think they can win with a very top heavy roster in 2-3 years time. Sometimes NHL teams want to win and are willing to make trades to allow them to win.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I know age is a deterrent for most teams, but it should be overlooked with Kadri. Once can argue he was a big reason the Avs won the cup in 2022. Being a 2C took away a lot of tough matchups for MacKinnon so MacKinnon could just explode offensively and lead the team that way. All while Kadri was going PPG himself and having himself a career year.

It's without a secret that the Habs have a much better roster than Calgary after bottoming out for a number of seasons to assemble the picks and the prospect pool they currently hold. Hage might sound like it's out of question, but I think we could figure out how to get him if we took on a cap dump. If we had to get Hage with a retained Kadri to roughly match Anderson's cap hit for example, I do it without thinking. Kadri (25%, 5.25m cap hit x 4) for Anderson (5.5m x 2) and Hage would be my offer to them. Habs can use picks for other upgrades.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

I know age is a deterrent for most teams, but it should be overlooked with Kadri. Once can argue he was a big reason the Avs won the cup in 2022. Being a 2C took away a lot of tough matchups for MacKinnon so MacKinnon could just explode offensively and lead the team that way. All while Kadri was going PPG himself and having himself a career year.

It's without a secret that the Habs have a much better roster than Calgary after bottoming out for a number of seasons to assemble the picks and the prospect pool they currently hold. Hage might sound like it's out of question, but I think we could figure out how to get him if we took on a cap dump. If we had to get Hage with a retained Kadri to roughly match Anderson's cap hit for example, I do it without thinking. Kadri (25%, 5.25m cap hit x 4) for Anderson (5.5m x 2) and Hage would be my offer to them. Habs can use picks for other upgrades.

Teams ready to compete and win a cup this year will absolutely look past Kadri's age.

Teams still building and wanting to contend but not in their cup winning window per se won't likely look past his age or won't offer up their top prospects who will be there when the cup window opens.

IMO Hage likely isn't available.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Teams ready to compete and win a cup this year will absolutely look past Kadri's age.

Teams still building and wanting to contend but not in their cup winning window per se won't likely look past his age or won't offer up their top prospects who will be there when the cup window opens.

IMO Hage likely isn't available.

Supply and demand could come into play. Kadri luckily has a 13 team NTC, that's 18 other teams that could try and pry Kadri from us. We've seen in previous deadlines that there aren't very many top 6 C's available. And when they are, a price is to be paid. If the Habs are serious and don't want a bidding war with anyone else, I think Calgary is in the right to ask for Hage if they want to lock down the deal. If not, we can possibly get our "Hage" from another desperate team.

Look how much the Jets had to pay for Monahan after we sold Lindholm to the highest bidder. They need to get serious with Conroy, Conroy doesn't play around.

[Monahammer]

Tampa: Sam O'Reilly
Utah: Cole Beaudoin or Tij (i'd hold out for Tij)
Red Wings: Danielson
Carolina: Cerrato
Washington: Parascak or Cristall
Jets: Yager or Barlow
Kraken: Wright or O'Brien

That's where my mind is at. I think you can get one on this list.

[moncton golden flames]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

When you're sitting in 32nd place and still selling off veterans, it's silly to say the rebuild is a failure. They're just finishing the tear-down stage, for crying out loud. They haven't even started building for you to judge the results.

I think you need to re-read my statement and realize I never said our rebuild was a failure.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Teams ready to compete and win a cup this year will absolutely look past Kadri's age.

Teams still building and wanting to contend but not in their cup winning window per se won't likely look past his age or won't offer up their top prospects who will be there when the cup window opens.

IMO Hage likely isn't available.

The Habs have two very good goalies on below market contracts for the next two years

They have one stud dman on a below market value contract this year and they have two top 6 forwards on below market contracts for the next two years.

Their win window is starting now. Kadri for 4 years basically is a perfect match for their window. Kadri at 5-5.5 million a year if the Flames retain is even better. The Habs window does not get better in two years because they will have to pay a lot for those 5 positions they are getting for cheap right now.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

The Habs have two very good goalies on below market contracts for the next two years

They have one stud dman on a below market value contract this year and they have two top 6 forwards on below market contracts for the next two years.

Their win window is starting now. Kadri for 4 years basically is a perfect match for their window. Kadri at 5-5.5 million a year if the Flames retain is even better. The Habs window does not get better in two years because they will have to pay a lot for those 5 positions they are getting for cheap right now.

Thats fair. I don't think they're quite there yet though personally. That said, yes they'd have Kadri for a few years. I still don't see them offering up Hage.

[Monahammer]

Kadri is the one asset, IMO, that we can afford to wait it out on the trade. Bleed people until we get exactly what we want or the last minute has been reached. Play other GMs off each other. This is a legit chance to capture profound value.

I don't think holding Andersson or Coleman will yield the same results. In fact, I have previously argued (and maintain those arguments) that holding Andersson could actually reduce his value further. They should be traded sooner to both make room for development players and to extract value, while precipitating a bigger fall in the standings.

But Kadri is one who you need to make a bidding war for.

[BigThief]

Owen Beck isn't exactly an exciting prospect. If they Flames traded William Stromgren would we become that's concerned.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by BigThief

Owen Beck isn't exactly an exciting prospect. If they Flames traded William Stromgren would we become that's concerned.

I was going to say it’s like getting a Heinemen but that guy has 5 goals to start the season. Should have kept him I guess lol

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Kadri is the one asset, IMO, that we can afford to wait it out on the trade. Bleed people until we get exactly what we want or the last minute has been reached. Play other GMs off each other. This is a legit chance to capture profound value.

I don't think holding Andersson or Coleman will yield the same results. In fact, I have previously argued (and maintain those arguments) that holding Andersson could actually reduce his value further. They should be traded sooner to both make room for development players and to extract value, while precipitating a bigger fall in the standings.

But Kadri is one who you need to make a bidding war for.

I disagree. Set your price internally and make the deal as soon as it is reached.


Your price can be as high as you want. But sit down with pro and amateur scouts and set it. Based on what CC has said, I think that's what he does.


I feel that way on all our sellable assets. Waiting introduces risk and the market is constantly changing up and down. There other teams with desirable assets that may sell off too. Lot's of surprises in the standings. Timing the market almost never works in any field.

[Vinny01]

I think the need and highest offers for Kadri come around or at the deadline. Teams will know where they stand and will be ready to make deals.

Anderson to me is someone you want to try and trade in the early part of the trade season which usually comes around the quarter pole. US Thanksgiving through early January where teams are looking to get for more of the regular season and get longer test drive to see if there is a long term fit.


Coleman to me is has a price set at a 1st and if it is met then can be moved otherwise I would be fine taking him into the summer or even next season.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Sec214

I don't think he's available.

Flames are getting action right now.

I'm jealous!

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

That is true. You either way to win now and next year when you have Demidov and Kapanen on ELC's or you try to win in 2-3 years time when you have 63 million bucks of cap space to sign 16 players and Demidov and Kapanen are eating up 16 million of that and you have 47 million left over for 14 players (about 3.3 million a player) and you need to sign 8 forwards, 4 dmen and 2 goalies for that 47 million.

Habs have 2 years where they have a very beneficial cap situation. Maybe they think they have a cup winning team now or maybe they think they can win with a very top heavy roster in 2-3 years time. Sometimes NHL teams want to win and are willing to make trades to allow them to win.

The Habs cap will be very good until Suzuki is a UFA. Demidov and Newhook have played well together, but stat show Kapanen hasn't been that good. I only really think they have Demidov in the near future looking for big money. Even then, guys like Cooley just signed for $10M. Demidov will be in and around that cap hit.

All the stat point to getting a 2nd line center for Demidov and moving Newhook to the wing. Long term they probably need an upgrade on Newhook and Kapanen or let Kapanen develop more.

Stat are showing that their 1st line is elite. When the 3 are together, they are as dominant as any line in the league. Just need a 2nd line and Demidov is looking like a 1st line star playing on the 2nd line. I don't think they should wait around for Hage or Beck, the question is why Kadri? Unless he is cheap, they should be aiming for someone younger.

If I'm Montreal, I only want Kadri if there is RS. Only part with Hage for Kadri if the Flames RS. Otherwise, I'm looking at different options.

[Mitch]

As usual, Habs players are getting massively overvalued

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Mitch

As usual, Habs players are getting massively overvalued

By Flames fans? Everything I'm seeing is Hage stock is on the rise. I would love Conroy to add him and other than a RS spot being used for years, I just don't see the Flames being a cap team for the next couple years. Trading Kadri with RS or taking Josh Anderson is the only way Montreal should even consider moving Hage for a 35-year-old. There will be a Kadri available at some point who is 28-30 that Hage could land.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Mitch

As usual, Habs players are getting massively overvalued

Originally Posted by Macho0978

By Flames fans? Everything I'm seeing is Hage stock is on the rise. I would love Conroy to add him and other than a RS spot being used for years, I just don't see the Flames being a cap team for the next couple years. Trading Kadri with RS or taking Josh Anderson is the only way Montreal should even consider moving Hage for a 35-year-old. There will be a Kadri available at some point who is 28-30 that Hage could land.

It might be unlikely, but Kadri with retention or taking a cap dump isn't completely out of line for Hage in my view. If Mtl truly thinks Hage is untouchable, fine, but I don't see him as a Misa level/untouchable prospect.

It would take a scenario where Mtl continues its strong play and sees a slotting issue at centre/needs strong veteran leadership. They would need to think their window is open now and for the next 3 or so years. Hage may not have an impact in that window.

[Vinny01]

I don’t think the Flames are looking at 3-4 years of tanking. I suspect they will make significant adds this summer. I doubt they are eating salary on Kadri

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Man, I so prefer being 32nd vs 5-5-1 and groundhog day all over again in Flames land.

Its seasons of extremes that change the course of franchises.