The Calgary Flames recently made a big offseason move: sending Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta to the Minnesota Wild. In return, the Flames picked up a 2029 2nd, 2027 3rd, 2028 4th and veteran defenceman Jacob Middleton.

Most would see Middleton as a throw-in piece for salary cap reasons, but Middleton can bring a lot to the Flames leadership group.

Middleton’s Background

Middleton isn’t exactly an “Alberta boy”; he was born in Wainwright, Alberta, but spent his formative years in Stratford, Ontario.

Middleton was drafted by the Owen Sound Attack in the 2012 OHL draft, but played most of his OHL career with the Ottawa 67’s. Drafted 210th overall in the 2014 NHL draft, Middleton started his pro career in the AHL with the San Jose Sharks’ affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.

Middleton made his NHL debut in 2019, posting 12 points in 59 games played in his tenure with the Sharks. In 2022, the Sharks traded Middleton to the Minnesota Wild. He played 301 games with Minnesota, putting up 82 points.


PHOTO BY STAN SZETO /USA TODAY Sports

What Middleton Brings

The most glaring part of Middleton’s game is his grit. Standing at 6’3″ and 218lbs, Middleton is a big force on the blue line.

Middleton is expected to fill a big hole for the Flames: the enforcer. With Ryan Lomberg now in Ohio, look to Middleton as the guy to shed his mitts when problems arise. In the 2025–26 season, Middleton dropped the gloves six times. He has 50 career regular-season fights. With younger, smaller defencemen like Zayne Parekh and Simon Nemec, Middleton will be entrusted to stand up for those guys.

With two more veterans gone from the roster, expect Middleton to also be a member of Calgary’s leadership group this season.

Middleton just turned 30. He’s right in the prime of his career. With a stacked pool of defencemen, Craig Conroy will likely be looking to shop Middleton over the next season or two. Middleton still has terms on his deal, becoming a UFA in the summer of 2029.

Middleton fills a hole when it comes to having a big physical presence on the team, and he’s someone who can be moved for futures once prospects like Carson Carels are ready for the National League.

That’s Middleton’s role.

For the time being, Middleton is ready for the jump to Calgary, saying in an interview:

 “It just seems like a wonderful city to raise a family in.”

“The direction the team’s going in is something to be excited about as well.”

We’re excited to see the fire Middleton can bring to the “C of Red” this fall.

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