With the NHL season now well past the quarter mark, trade chatter is starting to heat up. And the Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars are right in the middle of it as both teams keep an eye on a Stanley Cup champion.
Toronto is still searching for its rhythm, sitting third from the bottom in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, Dallas has a strong start, holding second place in the Central. Both clubs are looking to bolster their lineup, and a proven winner could be precisely what they need.
Two-Time Stanley Cup Winner Becomes Trade Target for Toronto and Dallas
It’s Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman. He is now in the fifth year of his six-year, $29.4 million deal. A two-time Stanley Cup champion with Tampa in 2020 and 2021, he’s reportedly drawing interest from both Toronto and Dallas.
With the Flames sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division and likely headed for a roster shake-up, one NHL executive told RG Media that Coleman might be a more affordable trade target than bigger names like Nazem Kadri or Rasmus Andersson.
Teams value his winning pedigree, leadership, and two Stanley Cup rings. Additionally, his role as an alternate captain highlights his importance. Despite Calgary’s struggles, he’s been one of the players keeping them competitive.
The executive added, “The Leafs want some Cup winners and experience that knows how to win the Cup on their roster right now. Brad knows him well, and you put him with some of that high-end offensive talent, and Coleman can still contribute there, too.”
Another league source revealed that Coleman has attracted interest not only from the Leafs and Stars but also from the Minnesota Wild, the Utah Hockey Club, and the Carolina Hurricanes.
“I’ve heard all those teams being linked to Coleman. To them, and anyone interested, Coleman is that guy that you really benefit from come playoff time. Obviously, the Stars would be a cool destination for him if he were dealt to Dallas.” the source said.
Also Read: Calgary Flames’ ‘Proven Winner’ Placed on Trade Block
The next move is ultimately up to Flames GM Craig Conroy. While the spotlight is on Kadri and Andersson, some believe Coleman could be the sneaky addition that gives a contender the boost it needs, and he’d come at a far more manageable cost.
For now, it’s a waiting game to see whether Calgary makes Coleman available, and which contender steps up if they do.
