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Flames trade rumours: Blake Coleman at top of Canadiens wish list
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Photo credit: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Ryan Pike
Jan 8, 2026, 19:40 ESTUpdated: Jan 8, 2026, 19:38 EST
Folks, if you’ve watched the Calgary Flames over the past few seasons, one of the most consistent bright spots in their lineup is forward Blake Coleman.
The 34-year-old Coleman is in the fifth season of a six year deal he signed during the 2021 off-season that carries a $4.9 million cap hit. Along with captain Mikael Backlund, Coleman has been part of the Flames’ shutdown line, and regardless of who’s joined Backlund and Coleman they’ve been the Flames’ most consistent trio.
On Thursday’s Early Trading edition of TSN’s Insider Trading, Gino Reda asked Pierre LeBrun about a potential fit between the Montreal Canadiens and Coleman as the trade deadline nears.
Here’s LeBrun’s response:
Well, let me just start by saying I think the Habs are in no hurry to make their next move. They just acquired Phil Danault before the holidays. Yes, they’re in a great place right now, playing great, but the Eastern Conference standings, as you know Gino, are absolutely jammed. My sense is Montreal would like to get to the Olympic break and then take stock of where they are in the standings, where their goaltending is, it’s been better lately as we know, and then decide if they’re going to add another big piece.
If they do, it is my understanding that Blake Coleman is high on their list. Now, there’s other players on their trade list, every playoff contender draws up a list at this time of year. But Blake Coleman is a player of interest. He’s a guy that brings some elements that the Habs are not as high on. Physicality, his versatility, he’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion, he is of interest to the Montreal Canadiens. But of course, as I’ve mentioned before Gino, he’s of interest to a lot of teams. And he’s the player that Calgary gets the most calls on and have since the start of the season. There is no guarantee Calgary trades him. He’s got another year on his deal at $4.9 million. He’s beloved in that dressing room, he’s a leader. We’re not even sure if Calgary’s ready to move him before the March 6 trade deadline. But if they are, I do expect Montreal to try to get in there in a real way.
The other thing to keep in mind with this, Gino, Blake Coleman has a say in all of this. He has a 10-team list where he can get dealt to without his consent. Otherwise, two-thirds of the league needs his consent, so he’ll have a big say in whether or not he gets dealt and where he gets dealt if that happens.
Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils back in 2011, Coleman has played 667 games between New Jersey, Tampa Bay and Calgary, winning a pair of Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021. Since joining the Flames, Coleman has 185 points through 366 games with the Flames, and he’s served as part of the team’s leadership group, often wearing an A as alternate captain in games. He has 21 points through 43 games this season, and his 13 goals lead the Flames.
Coleman is a player the Flames simply love having on their team. But with his deal expiring after the 2026-27 season, teams with championship aspirations would likely love to have Coleman on their teams, too. If the offers get sufficiently hefty, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Coleman on the move before the trade deadline.

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