Flames’ Forward High on Canadiens’ Trade Deadline Bucket List

The Montreal Canadiens reportedly have their eyes on a popular player out of Calgary and might be competing with a handful of teams if the Flames make the veteran available. That player is Blake Coleman, who the Flames may or may not be open to moving.

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“Well, let me just start by saying that I think the Habs are in no hurry to make their next move. They just acquired Phil Danault before the holidays. Yes, they’re in a great place right now, playing great, but the Eastern Conference standings, as you know, Gino, are absolutely jammed. My sense is, Montreal would like to get to the Olympic break and then take stock of where they are in the standings, where their goaltending is — it’s been better lately, as we know — and then decide if they’re going to add another big piece.”

“If they do, it is my understanding that Blake Coleman is high on their list.” LeBrun notes that there are other players also on their list, as every team draws up a list. “But Blake Coleman is a player of interest. He’s a guy that brings an element the Habs are not as high on; his physicality, his versatility, he’s a two-time Stanley Cup Champion.”

The Canadiens Are Not the Only Team Looking at Coleman

LeBrun added that the Flames veteran forward is of interest to a lot of teams. “He’s the player that Calgary gets the most calls on and has since the start of the season.”

LeBrun notes that there is no guarantee that Calgary will trade him. Coleman has another year on his deal at $4.9 million. He’s respected in the locker room as a leader and “we’re not even sure if Calgary is ready to move him before the March 6 trade deadline.”

That said, if he’s available, “I do expect Montreal to get in there in a real way,” notes LeBrun. Coleman also has no-trade protection in his contract. He has a lot of say as to where he ultimately winds up if he chooses to allow the Flames to move him.

Next: Flames’ Hard Question: Who Wants to Make Calgary Home?