Trade rumours have surrounded the Calgary Flames all year long, yet finally, those rumours can be put to rest (at least for the rest of the year). In trading away Rasmus Andersson, Mackenzie Weegar, and Nazem Kadri, Conroy sold the three veterans who arguably held the most value on the team. Additionally, in every package, Conroy got a futures-focused package as a return. There was a clear theme and message that the organization was sending through these trades, and now it can’t be in doubt anymore. Say it with me, everyone, the Flames organization is in a rebuild. Trading veterans for a valuable return is crucial, and it is even more crucial for the Flames, who are looking to practically start from scratch. So, what grade would you give the Flames on their trade deadline? We asked, you answered.
What grade do the Flames get for their trade deadline?
We presented the poll below to our readers.
How do you grade the #Flames trade deadline?
— The Win Column (@wincolumnCGY) March 7, 2026
Perfect
Many of our readers believe that this was a perfect trade deadline for Conroy and the team. All season long, the rumours were that three veterans would be moved. Andersson, Kadri, and Coleman. Now, although Coleman didn’t get moved, Conroy traded away Mackenzie Weegar instead, who I believe has more trade value than Coleman. To acquire five assets back, with three of those being second-round picks, is tidy work from Conroy. In this trade, Conroy was able to give away a contract which has five years left on it for a player in his 30s. I understand being disappointed that Coleman wasn’t traded, but I think the Weegar trade more than makes up for it.
Great, but not perfect
Just like the above response, many readers selected this option as well. I would think the reason for this grade is that Coleman was not traded away. I understand the frustration, as at this point, the most valuable asset the Flames have right now is their first overall pick. The team should be doing everything they can to ensure that the pick has the best chance to become first overall. However, one thing I will say is that Coleman will definitely be traded. His contract expires next summer, which means it is likely that either at the draft or next year’s deadline, Coleman will be traded. From a rebuilding perspective, this will help the Flames ensure that their 2027 first-round draft pick will also have a great chance to become first overall. Imagine if the Flames win both the Gavin McKenna and Landon Dupont sweepstakes.
Disappointed/Fail
Barely any of our readers have selected these options yet. What shouldn’t be lost in these trades is that three really good players who the fans loved are not on the Flames anymore. No matter if you wanted the Flames to tank or not, it is still a tough thing to accept. Nazem Kadri has been one of my favourite players on the team. I bought his jersey as soon as he signed in Calgary. Sure, I wanted him to be traded off the team so the Flames could recoup assets and rebuild, but it still hurt to see him go. I imagine that the same can be said for many fans about all three players who were traded away.
The Flames are in a new era
This is a whole new timeline for the Flames. It’s going to be some tough sledding over the next couple of years, but there is a lot to be excited about if you are a Flames fan. Matvei Gridin is already a regular on the Flames roster, and Zayne Parekh is getting games under his belt. On top of that, the team has many prospects in the NCAA who are having excellent seasons. Going forward, they are still going to add to their incredible draft class with their 14 (!!!) picks in the first two rounds over the next two years. The future is very bright in Calgary.
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