The Calgary Flames are actively fielding calls from other NHL teams as the trade deadline approaches. However, the organization appears hesitant to part with several key veteran players. This reluctance comes despite the team's struggling position in the league standings.
Flames' Current Situation and Trade Interest
Calgary currently holds the third-last spot in the NHL with a record of 19 wins, 23 losses, and 4 overtime losses. They trail the San Jose Sharks by seven points for the final wild-card position in the Western Conference. This positioning makes them likely sellers as the deadline nears.
Multiple contenders have expressed strong interest in Flames veterans. The most talked-about names include defenseman Rasmus Andersson and forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman. Trade rumors surrounding these players have circulated for months, with Andersson's name appearing in speculation since last summer.
Player Contracts and Value
Nazem Kadri remains under contract through the 2028-29 season with a salary cap hit of $7 million. Blake Coleman's contract runs through next season at $4.9 million per year. Both players bring significant experience to the table, with Coleman possessing two Stanley Cup championships on his resume.
Rasmus Andersson presents a different situation as he approaches unrestricted free agency in July. The 29-year-old defenseman has put up solid numbers this season with 10 goals and 29 points in 46 games. He leads the Flames in average ice time at 24 minutes and 8 seconds per game.
Insider Analysis on Flames' Strategy
NHL analyst Darren Dreger recently provided insight into Calgary's thinking. "This isn't a tear-down, full-on rebuild," Dreger stated, "but they do know that they need to get younger."
Regarding Andersson's prolonged trade speculation, Dreger noted, "Doesn't it feel like his name's been out there for a long time? A year, maybe even more than that? The interest in Andersson has been consistent, and it's going to continue to develop."
Coleman's Special Status
Dreger expressed particular interest in the trade chatter surrounding Blake Coleman. "I know that teams are calling Conroy and asking about Coleman," he revealed, "it's because of his winning resume."
The analyst emphasized Coleman's value beyond statistics. "This guy's won Stanley Cups, but it's also the type of player he is and the type of man he is. Those are characteristics and attributes that the Flames need. You can't trade everybody. You've got to have a backbone on the culture side of your team, and Coleman is definitely that."
Dreger downplayed the likelihood of a Coleman trade, stating, "I would downplay the speculation around Coleman. Anything is possible, but I would say his place on that trade list, in terms of how high he is, is a little misplaced at this point. It's unlikely he gets dealt."
Player Backgrounds and Current Status
Rasmus Andersson was drafted 53rd overall by Calgary in 2015. Throughout his 582-game career, he has accumulated 57 goals and 260 points. The Swedish defenseman will represent his country at the upcoming Olympics after captaining Team Sweden to a bronze medal at last spring's World Hockey Championship.
Blake Coleman is currently on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. Before his injury, he recorded 13 goals and 21 points in 44 games this season. His championship experience with multiple teams makes him particularly valuable to contenders.
The Flames face a delicate balancing act as the trade deadline approaches. They must weigh the value of future assets against the importance of maintaining veteran leadership and team culture. While Andersson appears more likely to be moved given his contract situation, Coleman seems to hold a special place in the organization's plans despite significant outside interest.
