Flames' Veteran On Many Contending Teams' Radars

The Calgary Flames have gotten off to an unfortunate start, but one that some likely predicted for them after being carried by Dustin Wolf in net last season. It's a team that has a tough time scoring and goaltending hasn't been as sharp this season. The Flames are in a spot where they will be a seller this season, and are going to get interest in their players.

While there are many reports involving Nazem Kadri, the player we're focusing on here is Blake Coleman, who David Pagnotta said, "He's a player that a lot of these contending teams are going to look at."

Coleman is one of the only offensive producers through 10 games, where the Flames have scored 21 goals and are 2-7-1. The veteran has five goals and six points and is close enough to the end of his contract that a team would absolutely bring him in with some retention from the Flames.

The 33-year-old has this year and next year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.9 million AAV. He has a 10-team approved trade list attached to his contract, so that likely includes 10 contenders who could be willing to bring him in. Coleman won't be that cheap, especially with the extra year and a reduced cap hit from salary retention, but by the way he plays the game, it would be worth it for a contender to bring in a middle-6 guy like him.

Coleman hits a lot, blocks shots as a great two-way forward, and logs over 17 minutes per game. He plays in all situations and is a regular, effective penalty killer. The veteran has twice received votes for the Selke Trophy in his career, so the expectation is that more than just a handful of teams will try to pry him from the Flames. In Calgary's shoes, it is the best time to trade him this season as the team has to rebuild and open up room for the younger players to get better playing time.

The teams that will show interest will reveal themselves in time as there are very few trades this early in the season, especially with the Flames still holding onto hope that they don't need to rebuild.