NHL Trade Rumors: Blake Coleman linked to Tampa Bay again as Flames listen to serious deadline calls (Image via Getty) Blake Coleman is once again at the center of trade talk in the National Hockey League. The Calgary Flames have played better in recent weeks and are back near the Wild Card race, but that has not stopped teams from calling about their players. With the trade deadline getting closer, Coleman’s name keeps coming up more than most. Coleman is seen as a strong playoff player. He plays hard, hits often, and knows how to win when the games matter most. His contract is also easier to move than some other deals in Calgary. Because of that, league insiders believe interest will only grow.One destination keeps coming up again and again. According to veteran insider Pierre LeBrun, the Tampa Bay Lightning could be a perfect fit. It is a team Coleman knows well and a place where he already found big success.
Why Blake Coleman and the Tampa Bay lightning make sense again
Blake Coleman has history with Tampa Bay. He helped the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. During those two playoff runs, Coleman posted 24 points in 48 games. He also delivered 209 hits and finished with a plus-11 rating. Those numbers show how important he was when pressure was high.Pierre LeBrun explained why the fit still works today. He said, “Tampa Bay knows exactly what Blake Coleman brings in the playoffs, and that matters a lot when teams are planning for a long run.” That trust is hard to find and makes Tampa a natural option.The Lightning have already brought back familiar faces. In recent seasons, they reunited with Ryan McDonagh and Yanni Gourde. Both were part of earlier Cup teams. Adding Coleman would follow the same pattern.There are still challenges. Blake Coleman carries a $4.9 million cap hit, and Tampa Bay does not have many draft picks left. The Flames would likely need to retain salary to make a deal work. Still, LeBrun does not see these issues as deal breakers. He said, “Cap space and picks are problems, but not impossible ones for Tampa Bay.”Much of that confidence comes from Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois. Around the league, he is known for creative moves at the deadline. Tampa Bay is second in the Atlantic Division and tied near the top of the Eastern Conference. With the race wide open, BriseBois may feel this is the right moment to act.For now, the Flames are not forced to move Blake Coleman. But as the deadline nears, the pressure and the offers will grow. A return to Tampa Bay feels familiar, logical, and very possible.Also Read: Hockey Fans Upset After Anthem Moment And Strange Walk-Out Music Steal Focus At NHL Winter Classic