New York Sports Today

New York Sports News Continuously updated

NHL Rumours: Calgary Flames Veteran Forward Could Get Interest

by

It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The holiday season has started, and teams are figuring out where they stand. Some clubs are trying to fight their way back into contention. However, other teams might become sellers at the March 6 trade deadline. These teams might have some valuable assets that can be spun for future pieces and draft picks. However, it’s always a tough decision to decide to sell at the deadline.

One team that may trade off assets is the Calgary Flames. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a veteran forward who could become a trade target.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Calgary Flames Veteran Forward Could Be Trade Asset

Rumour: Wes Gilbertson of The Calgary Herald took a look at the trade chatter surrounding veteran forward Blake Coleman, who is in the final year of his contract. Coleman said he’s well aware that his name could be tossed around at the deadline.

Analysis: Calgary is at the bottom of the Pacific Division after a bad start. The Flames have played better as of late, but they will have to make up plenty of ground to get back into the Stanley Cup Playoff race. Calgary’s bad start could mean that some players might be moved to stockpile draft picks and prospects.

We’ve already seen names like defenceman Rasmus Andersson and forward Nazem Kadri as trade bait. The former being traded at some point seems to be a foregone conclusion. However, the latter wants to stay put with the Flames.

Coleman has eight goals and three assists for 11 points in 26 games so far this campaign, heading into Sunday’s game with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 34-year-old is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has been through the playoff wars. He could be useful to a contending team that needs some depth scoring.

The Plano, Texas, native has a 10-team no-trade list and is in the last season of a contract that sees him making $4.9 million. His contract could be absorbed, but the hit could be less if the Flames retain some salary.

What It Means

Calgary does have two retention spots left, with one occupied due to the Jacob Markstrom deal with the New Jersey Devils. These retention slots could give newly-extended general manager Craig Conroy some flexibility at the deadline.

Coleman does seem to know that he could be moved. Before Calgary’s five-game road swing, he addressed the situation. Coleman mentioned the end of his tenure with the Devils, where he was told that he could be part of the team’s core. However, he was dealt two weeks later to the Lightning to help with their quest to win a championship.

It worked out well for Coleman, who got two titles out of it. The veteran does have some sway with his no-trade list. He could be a top target at a deadline that is still murky.

Calgary might not be a postseason contender. However, the Flames could be a player at the deadline and could shape the course in the race for the Stanley Cup.

Main photo by: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The post NHL Rumours: Calgary Flames Veteran Forward Could Get Interest appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.