NHL Rumors: Flames Could Flip Zach Whitecloud; One Team Linked
After moving Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman tossed out an idea that the Flames could explore flipping newly acquired right shot defenseman Zach Whitecloud for more assets, and the Boston Bruins are a team that makes sense as a potential landing spot.
Zach Whitecloud trade rumors heat up after Andersson deal
The Andersson trade brought Calgary a ready made NHL defender in Whitecloud, plus prospect Abram Wiebe and draft capital, including a conditional 2027 first round pick.
If the Flames decide Whitecloud is more useful as a trade chip than a long term piece, the appeal is pretty straightforward.
Elliot Friedman on 32 Thoughts: “ Zach Whitecloud looks like a Bruin.” he is only spitballing, and it’s nothing he has heard.
— Bruins Diehards (@BruinsDiehards) January 19, 2026
He’s 29, shoots right, carries a workable $2.75 million cap hit through 2027 to 28, and owns a Stanley Cup ring from Vegas’ 2023 run, where he played all 22 playoff games and put up eight points.
This season, Whitecloud has recorded two goals, seven points, a -8 plus/minus rating, 63 blocked shots, and 73 hits across 47 games played.
Why the Boston Bruins could circle back with the Calgary Flames
Boston was involved in the Andersson chase before Vegas got him, and if the Bruins still want a steady right shot defender without paying the premium for a true top pair upgrade, Whitecloud is the type of “quiet minutes” add that fits on any team.
He's reliable, solid defensively, can kill penalty kills, and has enough mobility to survive tough matchups.
Zach Whitecloud's career with the Golden Knights:
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) January 18, 2026
• 8 seasons
• 368 regular season games
• 23 goals
• 55 assists
• 602 hits
• 575 blocks
• 78 playoff games
• 5 playoff goals
• 12 playoff assists
• Game-winning goal in Game 1 of 2023 Cup Final
• 1 Stanley Cup pic.twitter.com/pBwwvdchiU
Over his eight-year career, spent entirely with Vegas, Whitecloud has put up 23 goals, 78 total points, a strong +42 plus/minus rating, and averaged 17:44 time on ice across 368 games played.
The big question is price. If Calgary views Whitecloud as a flip candidate, Boston can pitch a cheaper deal than the Andersson conversation, maybe Matthew Poitras, and the Bruins can sell themselves on getting cost certainty on the right side while keeping their bigger bullets for a true difference maker later.
Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
