Calgary Flames trade rumors: Kadri, Andersson, and Coronato in focus for 2025-26

The Calgary Flames entered the 2025-26 season with cautious optimism, but a disappointing 2-7-1 start has forced management to confront reality. What began as hopes for a competitive rebuild has quickly devolved into difficult conversations about the franchise’s direction. At the center of these discussions are three key players whose futures in Calgary hang in the balance: veteran center Nazem Kadri, top-pairing defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and young forward Matt Coronato. As trade speculation intensifies, the Flames find themselves at a crossroads that could define the next era of the organization.

The rumor mill has been churning with increasing intensity as general manager Craig Conroy weighs his options. While the team struggles to find consistency on the ice, behind-the-scenes maneuvering suggests significant roster changes may be imminent. The situation has been complicated by recent revelations about contract clauses, player performance issues, and the delicate balance between honoring veteran contributions and building for tomorrow.

Calgary Flames trade rumors kadri andersson coronato 2025-26: the Kadri situation heats up

The biggest revelation in recent weeks centers on Nazem Kadri’s trade protection. For years, the assumption around the league was that Kadri possessed a full no-movement clause that would make him virtually untradeable during the 2025-26 season. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell report revealing that Kadri’s contract actually transitioned to a modified 13-team no-trade list beginning this season.

This development has sent shockwaves through NHL front offices. According to Friedmans report on the 32 Thoughts podcast, teams are scrambling to determine their status on Kadri’s list. “He’s got a 13-team no-trade now. His clause has changed,” Friedman explained. “I heard that teams are all over it. ‘Am I on that list, am I not on that list? I’m on that list? How did I end up on that list, and how do I change that?’”

The 35-year-old center carries a substantial $7 million cap hit through the 2028-29 season, which makes any potential trade complicated from a financial perspective. However, his production last season—a team-leading 35 goals and 67 points—demonstrates he still has plenty to offer a contending team. After a slow start to this season with just two goals in his first eight games, Kadri has found his rhythm recently, scoring in consecutive games to reach seven points through 10 outings.

Flames head coach Ryan Huska isn’t concerned about Kadri’s early struggles, noting this pattern is typical for the veteran. “That’s usually the way Naz goes. I remember a few years prior, I think he went 10 games to start the year without scoring one,” Huska told reporters. “Then he gets hot and rolling. Typically, Naz, he gets on those streaks. The hope is that he’s going to stay on it now.”

One critical factor that will delay any potential Kadri trade is his upcoming milestone. Currently at 995 career games, Kadri is just five games away from reaching 1,000—a significant achievement for any player. Friedman was emphatic about the timeline: “There is zero chance, zero, he is going anywhere before he plays game 1,000. He’s at 994 right now, it’s obviously a huge deal to him, his family, and the Flames, and nothing will happen before that 1000th game is played.”

The Montreal Canadiens have emerged as one team with potential interest in acquiring Kadri’s veteran leadership, though his no-trade list and contract will complicate any negotiations. For Calgary, moving Kadri would represent a significant step toward committing to a full rebuild, but finding the right trade partner willing to absorb his cap hit while offering valuable returns will be challenging.

Calgary Flames trade rumors kadri andersson coronato 2025-26: Andersson’s future remains uncertain

While the Kadri situation has captured headlines, Rasmus Andersson’s name continues to dominate trade speculation for entirely different reasons. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, creating a classic trade deadline scenario for the struggling Flames.

Andersson represents the type of asset that contending teams covet: a reliable top-four defenseman with the added value of shooting right-handed. His current contract carries a team-friendly $4.55 million cap hit, making him an attractive acquisition target for teams looking to bolster their blue line without breaking the bank. The combination of his skill set, contract, and impending free agency makes him perhaps the most likely Flames player to be moved before the March trade deadline.

Chris Johnston of The Athletic provided insight into Andersson’s situation, noting that while the defenseman remains open to signing an extension with Calgary, a trade appears more probable. “The veteran right-shot defenceman remains open to staying in Calgary on an extension, but with his 29th birthday approaching and the organization looking toward the future, a move appears more likely,” Johnston wrote.

The Flames face a difficult decision with Andersson. If they believe they can turn their season around and compete for a playoff spot, keeping him makes sense—especially if they can convince him to sign an extension. However, if management concludes that this season is lost and a deeper rebuild is necessary, trading Andersson before losing him for nothing in free agency becomes the logical choice.

Multiple contending teams are reportedly monitoring Andersson’s availability, particularly those seeking to upgrade their right side on defense. His experience, consistency, and ability to contribute in all situations make him an ideal rental for a team making a playoff push. For Calgary, the return package could include a combination of draft picks and prospects that would accelerate their rebuild.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Andersson’s fate. According to reports exploring Calgary’s trade deadline candidates for 2026, the organization is weighing all options as they navigate the crossroads between competing and rebuilding. Johnston’s reporting suggests that teams have been checking in regularly on Andersson’s status, and those calls are likely to intensify as the deadline approaches.

Andersson’s own preferences will play a role in any decision. While he’s expressed willingness to remain in Calgary long-term, the team’s struggles may have him reconsidering his future with the organization. If the Flames continue their losing ways, Andersson might welcome a trade to a contender where he could compete for a Stanley Cup rather than endure another disappointing season.

Calgary Flames trade rumors kadri andersson coronato 2025-26: Coronato’s surprising benching raises questions

Perhaps the most unexpected storyline to emerge from Calgary’s early-season struggles involves Matt Coronato. The 22-year-old forward, who showed promise as one of the team’s best young goal scorers, was shockingly made a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the New York Rangers. The decision by head coach Ryan Huska sent a message about accountability and raised questions about Coronato’s role moving forward.

Coronato has struggled to find his footing in the 2025-26 campaign, recording just two goals and three points through nine games. While these numbers might not seem catastrophic for a young player on a losing team, his play evidently concerned Huska enough to warrant the benching. The coach explained his reasoning to reporters, identifying the root cause of Coronato’s struggles.

“I would put Matt in a category right now, and there’s a few of our players in that category of trying too hard,” Huska said. “Things have become forced for him. That’s shown up in his play over a little bit. Giving him a change to reset and catch his breath was something we felt was important for him.”

The healthy scratch appeared to be more about providing a mental reset than punishment. Young players, especially those under pressure to perform on struggling teams, can sometimes fall into the trap of overthinking and forcing plays rather than letting the game come to them naturally. Huska’s decision to give Coronato a night off to watch and reflect could prove beneficial in the long run.

Interestingly, the Flames responded well to the lineup change, defeating the Rangers 5-1 in Coronato’s absence. However, Huska confirmed that the young forward would return to the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, suggesting this was indeed a temporary measure rather than a long-term demotion.

For a team contemplating major roster moves, Coronato’s situation represents a different kind of trade consideration. Unlike Kadri and Andersson, who are veterans potentially on their way out, Coronato is a young asset who could be part of the solution moving forward. However, his early-season struggles have some wondering if the Flames might consider including him in a package to acquire more established talent or additional draft capital.

The more likely scenario is that Calgary views Coronato as untouchable in trade discussions, at least for now. Young, cost-controlled forwards with scoring potential are exactly the type of assets rebuilding teams need to retain. The healthy scratch appears to be a teaching moment rather than a precursor to a trade. Huska’s willingness to quickly reinsert him into the lineup reinforces the idea that the organization still believes in his potential.

Still, if Coronato continues to struggle and the Flames receive an offer they can’t refuse, no player should be considered completely off the table. His situation bears monitoring as the season progresses, particularly if Calgary commits to a full teardown and teams inquire about young roster players in addition to veterans.

Calgary Flames trade rumors kadri andersson coronato 2025-26: management’s difficult decisions ahead

Craig Conroy faces perhaps the most challenging period of his tenure as Flames general manager. The team’s poor start has forced him to confront questions he probably hoped to avoid until later in the season. Should the Flames double down on their current roster and hope for a turnaround? Or should they accept reality, trade available veterans, and commit fully to a rebuild centered around young players and draft picks?

The decisions regarding Kadri, Andersson, and to a lesser extent Coronato, will define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. Trading Kadri would send a clear message that Calgary is rebuilding, as moving a player of his caliber and contract signals a willingness to accept short-term pain for long-term gain. However, his modified no-trade clause and substantial cap hit complicate matters significantly.

With Andersson, the decision is more straightforward from a strategic standpoint but no less emotionally difficult. He’s been a cornerstone of the defense for years, but keeping him only makes sense if the Flames believe they can compete this season and convince him to sign an extension. If either of those conditions isn’t met, trading him becomes the obvious choice to maximize return rather than losing him for nothing in free agency.

The market for both players appears robust, with multiple teams reportedly interested. For Kadri, contending teams looking for a veteran center with playoff experience and scoring ability will be willing to part with assets—assuming they can work around his no-trade list and convince Calgary to retain some salary. For Andersson, the interest should be even stronger given his more favorable contract and the premium placed on right-shot defensemen.

Conroy must also consider the message his decisions will send to the locker room and fan base. Trading popular veterans, especially those who have been loyal to the organization, can be demoralizing. However, holding onto assets simply for sentimental reasons when the team isn’t competitive is how franchises extend their rebuilds unnecessarily. The general manager must balance respect for veterans with the harsh realities of building a winner.

Calgary Flames trade rumors kadri andersson coronato 2025-26: potential trade packages and returns

Speculation about what the Flames might receive in return for Kadri or Andersson has become a popular topic among hockey analysts and fans. For Andersson, the return should be substantial given his skill set and contract. Comparable defenseman trades in recent years suggest Calgary could command a first-round pick, a top prospect, and potentially additional assets. Teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs—all contenders seeking defensive help—could emerge as suitors.

The Kadri situation is more complex due to his age, contract, and no-trade protection. Any acquiring team would likely want Calgary to retain some salary, perhaps 50% of his remaining cap hit. Even with retention, taking on $3.5 million for a 35-year-old through 2028-29 is a significant commitment. However, Kadri’s playoff pedigree—including his Stanley Cup championship with Colorado—makes him attractive to teams in win-now mode.

Realistically, the return for Kadri would likely center around mid-level prospects and conditional draft picks rather than premium assets. His value lies in what he can provide to a contender this season and potentially next, not in his long-term outlook. Teams might offer second-round picks or B-level prospects, with conditions that could improve the return based on playoff performance.

From Calgary’s perspective, any trade involving these veterans must bring back assets that align with their rebuilding timeline. That means focusing on draft picks in the next two years and prospects who project to contribute when the Flames are ready to compete again, likely 2-3 seasons from now. Trading for established NHL players doesn’t make sense unless they’re young and cost-controlled.

The Flames also need to consider the cumulative effect of multiple trades. If they move both Kadri and Andersson, along with other potential trade candidates like Mikael Backlund, they could accumulate a significant package of picks and prospects. This haul could expedite their rebuild substantially, but it also means accepting that this season and possibly next are lost causes. That’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it may be necessary medicine.

What the Calgary Flames trade rumors kadri andersson coronato 2025-26 mean for the franchise

The trade speculation surrounding these three players represents more than just potential roster moves—it symbolizes Calgary’s organizational philosophy and willingness to make tough decisions. The Flames have been stuck in hockey purgatory for several years, neither bad enough for elite draft picks nor good enough for deep playoff runs. Breaking free from this cycle requires decisive action, even when it means parting with respected veterans.

If Conroy pulls the trigger on significant trades, it will signal that the organization is finally committed to a proper rebuild rather than attempting to remain competitive while gradually retooling. This approach requires patience from ownership, management, coaches, and especially fans. However, it’s often the most effective path to sustained success rather than perpetual mediocrity.

The immediate impact on the ice would likely be negative. Removing Kadri’s offensive production and Andersson’s defensive stability would make the Flames worse in the short term. However, the assets acquired in return could pay dividends for years to come. If Calgary can flip these veterans for high draft picks and talented prospects, they’ll be positioning themselves for a brighter future.

For the players themselves, trades could represent welcome opportunities. Kadri and Andersson are both competitive athletes in the latter stages of their careers. Moving to contending teams would give them chances to compete for championships rather than endure rebuilds. While leaving Calgary might be bittersweet, the opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup often outweighs loyalty to a struggling franchise.

Coronato’s situation differs entirely. As a young player struggling early in his career, he needs stability and development time rather than trade speculation. If the Flames are smart, they’ll keep him insulated from the rumors swirling around veterans and focus on his growth. Patience with young players often pays off, and rushing to judgment based on a poor 10-game stretch would be shortsighted.

The next few weeks and months will reveal much about the Calgary Flames’ direction. As Kadri approaches his 1,000th game milestone, trade discussions will intensify. As the trade deadline draws closer, Andersson’s name will appear in more speculation. And as Coronato works through his early struggles, the organization’s patience and development approach will be tested. These storylines aren’t just about three players— they’re about a franchise searching for identity and direction in a challenging NHL landscape. How Conroy navigates these waters will determine whether the Flames emerge as a future contender or remain stuck in the middle of the pack for years to come.