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Middleton explains why Calgary wasn't on his no trade-list and Flames fans will love it

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Jul 2 2026, 8:21 pm
Middleton explains why Calgary wasn't on his no trade-list and Flames fans will love it
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images

Calgary Flames fans have long been frustrated by many NHL players preferring to play in other destinations.

Such is often the case for many Canadian markets. When you factor in the outdated Saddledome and a team in a rebuilding phase, it makes it an even less desirable market for some. That isn’t the case for Jake Middleton, however.

The Flames acquired Middleton from the Minnesota Wild on Thursday in a deal that saw them ship out Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta. The Flames also received three draft picks in the swap.

What many noticed right away was that Middleton has a 15-team no-trade list. That meant that Calgary was not part of his no-trade list, which will already paint him in a good light for the fan base. Even better was his explanation for why the Flames weren’t part of that list.

“I have a new, young family. I’m from Canada, and I truly think it’s a beautiful city,” the Wainwright, Alta., native said. “The way the organization is headed, with the new arena, that convention centre, the sunshine 300 days a year, it was all appealing. We figured if we were to get traded, that would be a place we’d like to raise a family.”

Though this is a homecoming of sorts for Middleton, the fact that he mentioned the new arena has to excite some fans.

Scotia Place, which is set to open for the 2027-28 season, could attract players to come to Calgary. The upgraded dressing room and training facilities are far more appealing than what the Saddledome has to offer.

Middleton also pointed to the direction the Flames are headed. Though the 2026-27 season could be challenging, GM Craig Conroy has made several moves that have Calgary’s future looking bright. Once they begin improving, many other players in the NHL will start to feel the same way as Middleton.

Though it may still take a few years, Flames fans can sit back and smile knowing that Calgary will soon be a much more desirable market for many NHL players.

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