Three Potential Landing Spots for Flames’ Blake Coleman

With the Calgary Flames sitting near the bottom of the NHL standings, their roster is increasingly being viewed through a trade-deadline lens. While much of the speculation has centered on Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman has quietly emerged as one of the more intriguing names to watch around the league.

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Coleman checks a lot of boxes for playoff-bound teams. He brings speed, physicality, and a willingness to play hard minutes, while also offering some finishing ability. Through 30 games this season, the 33-year-old has eight goals and 12 points and ranks near the top among Flames forwards in hits. He is also just two seasons removed from a 30-goal campaign and has two Stanley Cups on his résumé from Tampa Bay.

The contract is the main complicating factor. Coleman has two years remaining at a $4.9 million cap hit and carries a 10-team no-trade list. Calgary isn’t actively shopping him, but as TSN’s Pierre LeBrun noted, it wouldn’t be surprising if contenders circle back closer to the deadline.

If the Flames decide to move him, these three teams stand out as logical fits.

Boston Bruins

When you look at what Coleman brings, the Bruins seem like a great fit. For a while, Boston has liked guys who play with grit but can still get the job done, and Coleman is that kind of player.

Sometimes, Boston’s scoring isn’t great after their best players, and Coleman would give coach Marco Sturm someone who can play different roles. He can play tough defense with a good center, or he can score more when guys get hurt.

Most of all, Coleman knows what it takes to win in the playoffs. He won two Cups with Tampa Bay, which fits what the Bruins are trying to do while David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie are still leading the team.

They’d have to get creative with the money, but if Calgary pays part of Coleman’s salary, the Bruins might think he’s worth it because he’s a playoff-type player.

Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas loves grabbing players who’ve done well in the playoffs, and Coleman would be a great fit for what the Golden Knights are all about: pressure, speed, and scoring from everyone.

The Golden Knights want to use all four lines, but injuries and money issues often mean they have to mix up their bottom two lines. Coleman would provide flexibility right away. He can forecheck hard, kill penalties, and still score when he gets the opportunity.

He’s won championships before, just like many players on Vegas’ current team who aren’t scared of the playoffs. Coleman wouldn’t be brought here to lead a line; he’d be here to make shifts count, wear out the other team, and make life hard in long series.

If Calgary pays part of his salary, Vegas would be in a good spot to grab him, especially if they think Coleman can help in the playoffs for a few years instead of just being a short-term rental.

New York Rangers

Coleman could be a cool fit for the Rangers, who are a pretty interesting team. They’ve got some seriously good players, but how well they do often depends on whether the rest of the team can keep up physically when the playoffs roll around.

Coleman would help with that right away. He’s got that tough edge that GM Chris Drury seems to like, but he can also score enough to not be a drag on the team. He’s good at pressuring the other team, which would work well with the Rangers’ skilled guys. Plus, he’s been around the block, and that could really help a team trying to make a deep run in the East.

Since the Rangers are watching their players closely because of injuries and inconsistent play, Coleman would give them some options and consistency. If the Flames are willing to help out with his salary, the Rangers might see him as a smart pickup for the playoffs, not just an extra luxury.

A Valuable Deadline Chess Piece

Blake Coleman won’t be cheap, and Calgary has no obligation to move him quickly. However, his blend of physical play, scoring touch, and championship experience ensures that his name will stay in trade conversations as March approaches.

If the Flames receive the right offer, contenders will line up — because players like Coleman tend to matter most when the games stop being easy.

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