FLAMES DEADLINE FRENZY

Since starting up the Heatwave Hockey Podcast, my time for articles has been thin. The last few months, I’ve felt the itch to get back to writing, and now, especially after this trade deadline the Flames have had, I feel obligated. Let’s start with some of the smaller trades Conroy made including the trade with the Rangers and the trade with Aneheim.

The trade with New York sees Calgary’s #62nd overall pick in the 2024 entry draft in Jacob Battaglia heading to the NYR for Brennan Othmann. Othmann was drafted #16th overall by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL draft, and has 3 points in 42 games in his career, and 16 points in 26 games played for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. I like the add, and Conroy said that the trade was orchestrated because Othmann was closer to playing with the Flames now than waiting for Battaglia to develop. I can’t agree more.

Next up: A 2027 7th round pick for Ryan Strome. Pretty cut and dry in my opinion. Strome was being underutilized in Anaheim, and though he carrys a cap hit of $5 Million dollars, he only has one year left on his 5 year contract which expires at the end of the 2026/2027 season. Strome has only played 36 games this year amassing 4 goals and 12 points. He’s played well since joining the Flames.

If he keeps up his play, Calgary could flip him before next year’s NHL deadline for a nice profit. I like the trade, especially with the draft capital that Conroy and the Flames have managed to build the last few years, I doubt they are going to miss a 7th round pick from over a year from now. Low risk, high reward. Ryan Strome has 492 points in 900 career games played.

The MacKenzie Weegar trade that broke caught most by surprise. Though the rumor was that the Flames were open to hearing offers on just about anyone, people expected players like Kadri and Coleman to move well before the likes of Weegar. Weegar is currently in year 3 of an 8 yesr contract that sees him earning $6.25 Million per season. The Utah Mammoth send defenceman Olli Maatta, NCAA prospect Jonathan Castagna and all three of their 2026 2nd round picks to Calgary for Weegar.

This gives Calgary four 2nd round picks in the 2026 NHL draft and a prospect with 32 points in 29 games in the NCAA this year. Olli Maatta will help the Flames younger propects while providing solid defensive play. Besides holding their own, the other two 2nd round picks Utah acquired from the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators. As I currently write this, Ottawa sits 14th in league-wide standings, and the Rangers at 29th. I didn’t feel like the Flames were forced to trade Weegar this year, but after the trade I feel like now was a good time. Weegar hasnt had the best season, but has definitely been a stand-out player during his time in Calgary through his play and throughout the work he’s put into the community. I like the return, and I think it really gives the Flames an advantage and maneuverability heading into the draft. I wish MacKenzie the best of luck.

Kadri was rumored to move at the deadline, and it was thought that the day before, a trade had fallen through with Kadri’s beloved Colorado Avalanche and the Flames. Media and fans had to wait until after to deadline had passed for the trade to come through that saw the Flames trade Kadri and a 2027 4th round pick to the Avalanche for forward Victor Olofsson, prospect Max Curran, a conditional 2028 1st round pick and a 2027 2nd round pick. The Flames also retain 20% of Kadri’s contract over the remaining 3 years of it, which equals out to be $1.4 Million.

Before getting to the conditions of the picks, I think it worthy to mention that Olofsson is on an expiring contract. He has 25 points in 60 games this year, and I could see the next month or so as a tryout for his new team before the season ends and free agency begins. Curran has played with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL this season, totalling 14 goals and 41 points in 31 games played. Curran is also a C, which the Flames seem to be targeting, in recent drafts and trades especially. I really like this trade. The Flames didnt have to retain much, and Kadri was reunited with the team he won his cup with. The conditions on the 1st are that if Colorado’s 2027 1st is in the top 10, Toronto receives the 2028 1st instead from the Nic Roy trade. In that situation, the Flames would receive the 2029 1st from the Avalanche unconditionally. Alternatively, if Toronto does keep the 2027 1st, and Colorado’s 2028 1st round pick is in the top 10, Calgary receives Colorado’s 2029 1st round pick instead. The conditions on the 2027 2nd are more simple, the Flames receive the better of Colorado’s own 2027 2nd round pick, or Minnesota’s 2027 second round pick that Colorado possesses. Great trade, and honestly its amazing the work overall that Conroy has managed to put in since becoming GM.

With Vets leaving, younger players getting opportunities and positive change mounting, the rebuild is very much on. Something else that’s notable to mention, The Calgary Flames have announced that they have signed college free agent Tyson Gross to a two-way, 2-year deal with a $975,000 AAV. He isn’t eligible to play in the AHL until next season, but is able to NHL games this year as reported by Pat Steinberg. Gross is a 6’3″, 194 pound centerman who has accumulated 41 points in 36 games with St. Cloud State University this year. I couldn’t be more excited to see what the Flames do at the 2026 NHL draft, and to see who is able out of all of these propects to make the jump to the big club next year.