2025/2026 Season Trade Rumours and Speculation Thread

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I think there are 3 future stars in the organization right now:
Wolf
Parekh
Gridin


I think there are a couple of potential stars too:
Wyttenbach is definitely making jumps up my list
Suniev - although slow to start the AHL - has some serious star potential IMO. Incredibly talented and has size too.
Mews may be here. He would probably have made the WJC team this year too if not for his injury. Small sample size so too early to tell.


There are other guys too. The NHL is all about speed now. A guy like Mathew Phillips just wasn't talented enough or fast enough. Potter is definitely fast enough, and he has the IQ and hands too. Maybe there is something more to him too.


Reschny has been climbing up my own books. I had him as an adequate 2nd line center, but he is proving that he might just be a 1st line center. I guess we will see, but it is hard not to like his game and the overall package he has. He just dispaced O'Brien - 6'2" RHS center that was taken 8th overall in the same draft on Team Canada. What does that say to you?


Then there is a LOT of really good depth. Basha is starting slow, but I will be shocked if he isn't a middle-six NHL'er in a couple of seasons. Honzek is going to be a good player for Calgary. Unfortunate injuries, but the good thing is that they are never the same ones, so I am not worried about his future health in the slightest. Morin will get it together - maybe he will be the next Giordano, or maybe he will be a bottom-pairing D, but I do like his 2-way game.


Flames are going to come out of this rebuild really well. More futures will be added. This prospect pool will really take a step up this year on so many lists. I look forward to it.


I laugh at the 'future of the team is hopeless' - I see exactly the opposite. This team's future is very bright. This organization drafts and develops really well. That's all that hope I need.

I think that if we had just one franchise-talent type forward in our prospect group, we'd be stoked about the upside. You look at Chicago or San Jose, their overall talent base is probably inferior, but having that Bedard / Celebrini is the difference.

If we can get that player in the next couple of drafts (ideally two) then our rebuild is a success. If we start eking into the playoffs with what we have, then it's probably another decade of mediocrity.

[Jason14h]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I think there are 3 future stars in the organization right now:
Wolf
Parekh
Gridin


I think there are a couple of potential stars too:
Wyttenbach is definitely making jumps up my list
Suniev - although slow to start the AHL - has some serious star potential IMO. Incredibly talented and has size too.
Mews may be here. He would probably have made the WJC team this year too if not for his injury. Small sample size so too early to tell.


There are other guys too. The NHL is all about speed now. A guy like Mathew Phillips just wasn't talented enough or fast enough. Potter is definitely fast enough, and he has the IQ and hands too. Maybe there is something more to him too.


Reschny has been climbing up my own books. I had him as an adequate 2nd line center, but he is proving that he might just be a 1st line center. I guess we will see, but it is hard not to like his game and the overall package he has. He just dispaced O'Brien - 6'2" RHS center that was taken 8th overall in the same draft on Team Canada. What does that say to you?


Then there is a LOT of really good depth. Basha is starting slow, but I will be shocked if he isn't a middle-six NHL'er in a couple of seasons. Honzek is going to be a good player for Calgary. Unfortunate injuries, but the good thing is that they are never the same ones, so I am not worried about his future health in the slightest. Morin will get it together - maybe he will be the next Giordano, or maybe he will be a bottom-pairing D, but I do like his 2-way game.


Flames are going to come out of this rebuild really well. More futures will be added. This prospect pool will really take a step up this year on so many lists. I look forward to it.


I laugh at the 'future of the team is hopeless' - I see exactly the opposite. This team's future is very bright. This organization drafts and develops really well. That's all that hope I need.

Here's the issue though - We arent very good right now, AND need to replace Andersson, Coleman and Kadri as we enter our competitive years (Either traded or just old and gone, etc)

Lets say Parekh ends up as good as Andersson (No guarantee) and Gridin as good Coleman. And let's even add in Reschny becoming as good at Kadri.

The chance at all 3 of those things happening is low, but for argument lets assume.

All we've done is replicated our current situation but younger. We still have no 1st line. We are still missing 2 top 4 D (And arguable 3 depending on Weegar and when we are actually competitive)

Maybe you get 1 more surprise out of the existing base, and a few 3rd / 4th line type guys.

We are still 4/5 stud prospects away from having a proper base IMO.

This year and next you need to be bad - ideally bottom 3 bad and see where lottery lands.

2017 you can be better as you are improving but prob still a top 10.

If you can get 2 top 5 picks (and maybe better with some lottery luck) and another top 10 over the next 3 years with your own picks, and then find one quality player with the late firsts from trades you have at least a decent base and a punchers chance.

If you could do all that AND have one of the high picks be a 1st/franchise player you are looking at a proper new core potential.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by blankall

People around here act like the Flames have dug themselves into a hole of despair. In reality, they are a couple of obvious moves away from having an elite set of prospects.

Tankers after a Flames win.

[Jason14h]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

You look at Chicago or San Jose, their overall talent base is probably inferior, but having that Bedard / Celebrini is the difference.

If you were to rank the top 10 under 21 players for the Flames vs each of these teams, 7-8 would be from SJ and Chicago both times.

We are no were close to the core prospect base of these franchises. Now we are just starting vs year 5 so we shoudn't be, but don't kid yourself that they just have a more positive future/outlook because of Celebrini and Bedard,

[blankall]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

I think that if we had just one franchise-talent type forward in our prospect group, we'd be stoked about the upside. You look at Chicago or San Jose, their overall talent base is probably inferior, but having that Bedard / Celebrini is the difference.

If we can get that player in the next couple of drafts (ideally two) then our rebuild is a success. If we start eking into the playoffs with what we have, then it's probably another decade of mediocrity.

You're talking about generational talent. Unfortunately, the vast majority of teams don't get a Bedard or Celebrini.

I do agree that the Flames most likely, in order to be competitive, need to get lucky and have a Pastrnak, Barkov, Kucherov or Rantanen type talent emerge from their pool. Not necessarily the MacKinnon type prospect.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Listening to 960’s Hockey show out of the east they think the Flames will get a bounty for Rasmus but not from the Leafs because they don’t have the assets
But throughout the discussion they kept on talking about how the acquiring team could always trade Rasmus next year because he has another year remaining on his deal
How is the type of basic mistake made? Sloppy work

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by blankall

You're talking about generational talent. Unfortunately, the vast majority of teams don't get a Bedard or Celebrini.

I do agree that the Flames most likely, in order to be competitive, need to get lucky and have a Pastrnak, Barkov, Kucherov or Rantanen type talent emerge from their pool. Not necessarily the MacKinnon type prospect.

Sometimes you have to draft 1OA 4 times in 6 years to get a decent one. And throw in a 7th and a 3rd in there as well.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Hackey

Is it? The team has zero stars or core pieces as of right now. Wolf is the only guy that might be one and he has had his struggles. Parekh is a big question mark still. Coronato has potential but is likely a support piece. Beyond that there are some okay prospects but none of them project to be stars. That is not the make up of an elite future. This is why the Flames should commit to a top pick this year and actually land that first core piece. Why are we trying to squeeze out a few extra wins with aging vets nearing the end of their career? Just accelerate the inevitable. I honestly don't even care about the returns. If Conroy can get a 2nd or late 1st it really doesn't matter all that much. The difference between 2nd overall and 9th overall is way more important to the future of the franchise.

Flames aren't in the best spot in the league since they don't have a recent high end guy. They are also in a better spot than half the league.

So many older capped out teams with no real future, low on draft picks, that are currently meh with .500ish records

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by blankall

You're talking about generational talent. Unfortunately, the vast majority of teams don't get a Bedard or Celebrini.

I do agree that the Flames most likely, in order to be competitive, need to get lucky and have a Pastrnak, Barkov, Kucherov or Rantanen type talent emerge from their pool. Not necessarily the MacKinnon type prospect.

exactly, if you pick the 2 teams of 32 that have sucked the most and won lotteries of course they have better under 21 year olds. They have better under 21 year olds than the entire league

[Wolven]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

I think that if we had just one franchise-talent type forward in our prospect group, we'd be stoked about the upside. You look at Chicago or San Jose, their overall talent base is probably inferior, but having that Bedard / Celebrini is the difference.

If we can get that player in the next couple of drafts (ideally two) then our rebuild is a success. If we start eking into the playoffs with what we have, then it's probably another decade of mediocrity.

Specifically a center. The prospect doesn't even need to be "generational" or "franchise" levels, just a legitimate top line center with no question marks would be enough to build around.

People keep talking about the haul of parts that we could get for each of Andersson and Kadri, but I would give up most or maybe all of those parts for 1 player if it addresses our organizational need.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by dino7c

exactly, if you pick the 2 teams of 32 that have sucked the most and won lotteries of course they have better under 21 year olds. They have better under 21 year olds than the entire league

Another thing to keep in mind is that the perpetually tanking teams don't always end up competitive. You want to avoid being a Buffalo at all costs.

You're much better off compromising on that very top end player and building depth and a winning culture, than tanking repeatedly and ending up in a cycle you can't get out of.

[Macho0978]

I actually think this is less important to get 1st pick than most years. I usually lean towards 1st pick and most years 2nd pick as much more valuable that 3rd on. IMO the most talented players in this draft by a wide margin are wingers. After those 2 there seems to be a few centers and D with other wingers who are behind the top 2. This might be one of the few years that it would be ok to pick 3rd to 5th. Of course I would take 1st OV, but it might not end up being as good as most years as McKenna might be as talented as a guy like McDavid or MacKinnon, but he is not a center, and they are and I just don't see him being a lock for top 5 player in the league. Kucherov has been the best winger in the league for a while, and he's won cups but with a stacked team and typically would rank outside a top 5 player in the league. For me this would be McKenna's max potential.

If we end up with Lawrence or Verhoeff or Reid, I think that is ok. Some lists have Lawrence 7th overall.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by blankall

Another thing to keep in mind is that the perpetually tanking teams don't always end up competitive. You want to avoid being a Buffalo at all costs.

You're much better off compromising on that very top end player and building depth and a winning culture, than tanking repeatedly and ending up in a cycle you can't get out of.

Buffalo is the worst example ever and an outlier. You literally have to do everything wrong to get where they are: a meddling owner who wanted to cut corners and was cheap, horrible GM choices like Adams and same with coaching. Hiring constantly people with little or no experience.


Becoming Buffalo is really not something to worry about. Lacking top end talent is a much bigger problem.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by Saqe

Buffalo is the worst example ever and an outlier. You literally have to do everything wrong to get where they are: a meddling owner who wanted to cut corners and was cheap, horrible GM choices like Adams and same with coaching. Hiring constantly people with little or no experience.


Becoming Buffalo is really not something to worry about. Lacking top end talent is a much bigger problem.

Maloney loves to use Buffalo as his lone example of why rebuilding doesn't work, as do a few "hockey minds" which is unfortunate.

They really cant be used because they fumbled it themselves, a few bad picks, a few guys who they couldn't re-sign and had to trade and a number of questionable UFA contracts sunk them.

I really don't see outside of Buffalo PTSD, anyone could take their team and go "yea if we rebuild we'll be just like Buffalo so we cant do that".

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Maloney loves to use Buffalo as his lone example of why rebuilding doesn't work, as do a few "hockey minds" which is unfortunate.

They really cant be used because they fumbled it themselves, a few bad picks, a few guys who they couldn't re-sign and had to trade and a number of questionable UFA contracts sunk them.

I really don't see outside of Buffalo PTSD, anyone could take their team and go "yea if we rebuild we'll be just like Buffalo so we cant do that".

Buffalo and really Arizona are terrible examples of failed rebuilds. Both teams have other circumstances that caused the rebuild to fail.

Maybe Utah can pull out of it, but Buffalo is Buffalo and the Flames shouldn't have the same issues if they draft the talent Buffalo has over the years.

[The EBUG's EBUG]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Maloney loves to use Buffalo as his lone example of why rebuilding doesn't work, as do a few "hockey minds" which is unfortunate.

They really cant be used because they fumbled it themselves, a few bad picks, a few guys who they couldn't re-sign and had to trade and a number of questionable UFA contracts sunk them.

I really don't see outside of Buffalo PTSD, anyone could take their team and go "yea if we rebuild we'll be just like Buffalo so we cant do that".

"We can't go into the transportation industry! We could end up like the Hindenburg!"

[CFO]

Flames need to draft well and hope on hits. Teams like Dallas are based on this. Get impact players within multiple rounds and every year there is always a big fish who becomes available for assets.

Rantanen.
Hughes
Eichel
Matthew k
Etc

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

I actually think this is less important to get 1st pick than most years. I usually lean towards 1st pick and most years 2nd pick as much more valuable that 3rd on. IMO the most talented players in this draft by a wide margin are wingers. After those 2 there seems to be a few centers and D with other wingers who are behind the top 2. This might be one of the few years that it would be ok to pick 3rd to 5th. Of course I would take 1st OV, but it might not end up being as good as most years as McKenna might be as talented as a guy like McDavid or MacKinnon, but he is not a center, and they are and I just don't see him being a lock for top 5 player in the league. Kucherov has been the best winger in the league for a while, and he's won cups but with a stacked team and typically would rank outside a top 5 player in the league. For me this would be McKenna's max potential.

If we end up with Lawrence or Verhoeff or Reid, I think that is ok. Some lists have Lawrence 7th overall.

Kucherov has been the best player in the league a couple years and in the top 5 every year except his injury year since 2020. He led the league in the last 2 seasons and was 3rd the year before.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Buffalo is evidence of terrible mismanagement, not that drafting high doesn't work.

They botched developing those top picks properly and then keeping them Sabres property, along with transactions that didn't help move the group forward and poor coaching hires.

You have to run every aspect of your operation badly to accomplish what the Sabres have.

I actually don't think with the Flames recent track record of drafting and development, and the structure implemented at the top level that they'd be capable if stooping to Buffalo's level if a couple Eichel/Dahlin caliber players were dropped into their laps.

It just shows such a weak mindset and low confidence in the talent and minds in the organization to show that level of apprehension towards becoming Buffalo.

Should have put Maloney out to pasture.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Kucherov has been the best player in the league a couple years and in the top 5 every year except his injury year since 2020. He led the league in the last 2 seasons and was 3rd the year before.

Best player in the league lol. I have always argued with people who don't give him enough credit for how good he is. I have said for years Point is good, but he isn't a high-end top line center without Kucherov.

But he is not the best player in the league. As a winger you just can't make the same impact as an elite center can. You just don't have the same responsibilities.

Wingers just don't impact the game defensively as much and Kucherov has 5 PK mins in the last 3 years. I would say Hedman is the best player on that team when it comes to winning games.