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Calgary Flames ownership 'heavily involved' in trade deadline strategy: report

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Mar 5 2026, 5:42 pm
Calgary Flames ownership 'heavily involved' in trade deadline strategy: report
Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images

Calgary Flames management appears to be feeling some resistance from ownership when it comes to making trade deadline deals.

Over the past few weeks, much has been made of the fact that the Flames have just one retention spot remaining until July 1. There’s been plenty of speculation as to whether they would retain money in a potential Blake Coleman or Nazem Kadri trade.

While management would like to do that, ownership doesn’t seem to be as keen on the idea.

Based on a new report from Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, the Flames and Colorado Avalanche had a deal worked out for Kadri. While the deal appeared to be good by both GMs, however, some higher-ups within the Flames organization axed it.

“I think it was really close with principles done,” Kypreos said. “One of them obviously in play was that first-round pick in 2027. That was supposed to go to Kadri along with [more].”

 

“My understanding was that it didn’t get green-lighted in Calgary,” Kypreos continued. “At the end of the day, Craig Conroy’s gotta have somebody sign off on it. Whether it’s right at the top with ownership, or someone in between.”

With Kadri no longer an option, the Avalanche instead addressed their centre-ice position by acquiring Nic Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Given that Kadri is under contract through the 2028-29 season with a $7 million cap hit, it’s hard to envision him getting traded before Friday’s trade deadline without the Flames retaining.

“Colorado had interest, I don’t think they can now, given what they did with Nicolas Roy,” TSN’s Darren Dreger said on Thursday. “The owners are heavily involved there. Most owners are.”

As if things weren’t interesting enough, Dreger went on to report on Insider Trading that Kadri was very hopeful to be on the move.

“He’s a good team guy, he’s a pro. I’m telling you he will be deeply disappointed if he’s with the Calgary Flames after the trade deadline.”

Barring a last-minute change from higher-ups within the Flames organization, it’s difficult to envision a playoff-bound team willing to risk taking on Kadri given the term and dollar amount left on his contract.

That said, we could still see other moves from the Flames in the coming hours. Coleman continues to generate interest, while names such as Zach Whitecloud, Brayden Pachal, and Joel Hanley have all been mentioned as potential trade chips.

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