NHL Trade Preview: Calgary Flames set for blockbuster trades in 2025-26

The Calgary Flames are one of a few teams who will be in sell mode in 2025-26. General manager Craig Conroy ideally would like to not take a step back with his roster this season, however, with a couple of prime trade candidates, it could be a complete re-tool on the fly in Calgary.

Defenceman Rasmus Andersson remains trade candidate #1, as it's inevitably coming at some point, and it could be as early as before training camps open. The Flames and Andersson couldn't reach an extension agreement at the beginning of July, and Conroy has already approached the mobile blueliner about a deal, however Andersson used his six-team no-trade clause to block it back in the beginning stages of the offseason.

Look for Andersson to be dealt in the coming weeks, as even Flames captain Mikael Backlund called the move 'obvious', as the team is certain he'll be traded. Another trade candidate is center Nazem Kadri. The veteran pivot has been linked to trade rumors for over a year now, and with the Montreal Canadiens having reached out in the past, it could be a huge trade coming between two Canadian teams. This would set up quite the rival with Kadri on the Habs and facing his former team in Toronto.

The Flames have $15.4 million in cap space to work with, which is kind of crazy to think they'd rather deal Andersson than re-sign him with their available resources. Kadri is set to make $7 million through the 2028-29 season, and owns a full no-movement clause, so regardless of the trade details, he'll have to sign off on the move.

Goaltender Dustin Wolf is eligible for an extension as a pending restricted free agent, and expect to see a long-term lucrative contract coming his way over the course of this season. There's no doubt Wolf is the goaltender of the now, and the goalie of the future, and he'll look to build off a strong rookie season.

Keep an eye on the Flames. Andersson and Kadri are likely the ones to go first, with Calgary being a team of transition, and without a set direction heading into next season.

Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images