Blake Coleman #20 of the Calgary Flames (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
While the focus has been on Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson in the Calgary Flames’ section of the NHL trade market, another veteran Flame is drawing significant attention.
According to numerous NHL sources, two-time Stanley Cup champion and Flames alternate captain Blake Coleman has generated increased trade interest in recent weeks — interest that could continue to rise as the NHL’s holiday trade freeze (Dec. 20–27) approaches.
“He’s a guy I think teams believe they could acquire for a lesser price than Kadri and Andersson, but a guy that also knows how to win,” an NHL executive told RG. “He’s got two Stanley Cup rings and was part of that Tampa run and a team that had plenty of winners and leaders. There’s a reason he’s got an A on his jersey now in Calgary, and by all accounts, he’s part of the reason this team may be losing more than they want, but they’re also competing.”
Coleman, 34, is in the penultimate season of a six-year, $29.4 million contract ($4.9 million AAV). According to another NHL source, the general manager who originally signed him to that deal — Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving — has expressed interest in a reunion.
“Brad is a big fan of Blake, and he definitely has interest,” the source said.
“The Leafs want some Cup winners and experience that knows how to win the Cup on their roster right now. Brad knows him well, and you put him with some of that high-end offensive talent, and Coleman can still contribute there, too.”
Coleman enters tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild with eight goals and three assists through 28 games. The 5-foot-11, 198-pound winger, drafted 75th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2011, reached the 30-goal mark once (2023–24) and has 158 goals and 143 assists in 652 regular-season contests. He has also recorded 12 goals and 19 assists in 65 Stanley Cup playoff games.
Another league source said it’s Coleman’s postseason experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning — along with reports out of Calgary about his role in supporting the team’s younger players — that has drawn interest not only from the Maple Leafs, but also the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes.
“I’ve heard all those teams being linked to Coleman,” the source said. “To them, and anyone interested, Coleman is that guy that you really benefit from come playoff time. Obviously, the Stars would be a cool destination for him if he were dealt to Dallas.”
Coleman, a native of Plano, Texas, played for the Dallas Stars 18U AAA program during the 2008–09 season before moving on to the USHL and then Miami University.
According to the source, nothing is imminent regarding Coleman or any Flames players. But with the acquisition cost for Kadri and Andersson expected to be substantial, a player like Coleman could become an earlier target as teams look ahead to the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.
“It all depends on how Craig [Conroy] wants to play the market right now,” the source said. “He’s in the driver’s seat, and right now all eyes are on Kadri and Andersson — but Coleman could be the guy that puts a team on the brink where they need to be, and at a cheaper price.”
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