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Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Flames News & Rumours: Kadri, Coleman, Pospisil & More

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Rupert McDonald | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 9:15 AM ET

In this week’s edition of Calgary Flames News & Rumours, Nazem Kadri has reportedly informed the team that he would like to be traded. Meanwhile, Blake Coleman recently addressed his uncertain future with the organization. In other news, Martin Pospisil has returned to the Flames following his appearance in the Olympics. Last but not least, John Beecher has been activated from injured reserve and is ready to return to game action.

Kadri Hoping to Be Traded

It was rather unclear all season long as to whether or not Nazem Kadri would be traded this season. If anything, it felt somewhat unlikely given his contract situation. That said, the 35-year-old does have a ton of value around the league, and according to a new report, he has made it clear that he would like to be moved.

“The Calgary Flames are still testing the market on Nazem Kadri, who, by the way, wants to be traded at this point,” TSN’s Darren Dreger said on Insider Trading.

Having players in a locker room that want to be traded can often cause some tension, which could result in general manager (GM) Craig Conroy pushing extra hard to make this move happen before the trade deadline. Kadri isn’t having the strongest of seasons, but still leads the Flames with 39 points through 56 games.

Coleman Addresses Future with Flames

Another forward on the Flames who has been discussed a ton as a trade candidate is Blake Coleman. The 34-year-old has one additional season remaining on a contract with a reasonable $4.9 million cap hit, making him an intriguing option for several teams. Though nothing is guaranteed, the two-time Stanley Cup champion seems well aware that his time in Calgary could be coming to a close.

“It’s all part of it. It’s the situation that we’re in,” Coleman said. “I’d lie if I said I wasn’t aware of everything and not keeping up with it because there’s a lot of moving pieces in this stage of life with family and kids. It’s not just me anymore.

“But it’s been good. The dialogue’s been open and pretty clear. I’ve always looked at it the same from day one. I’m a Flame until I’m told I’m not. I’m going to bring my best every day here and continue to do what I do.”

Coleman is never going to be a player that lights up the scoresheet, but he is a very solid middle-six forward who can provide secondary offence. He’s also very responsible defensively, can kill penalties, is a great leader, and, of course, brings winning experience. The Flames should be able to net a solid return should they decide to trade him this season.

Beecher Ready to Rock

John Beecher’s time with the Flames has been underwhelming thus far. After being scooped up off waivers from the Boston Bruins in mid November, the 24-year-old has logged 19 games with his new team, during which time he’s managed just two assists. As if that weren’t frustrating enough, he also hasn’t played since January 3 after suffering an upper-body injury versus the Nashville Predators. The Olympic break allowed for him to get healthy, however, and gives him another opportunity to make a name for himself.

“The last two games that he played are games that, if he could wrap up and bring to the table every night, I think we’d be very happy and I think he’d be a happy player,” head coach Ryan Huska told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s shown that he can use his speed to his advantage. He can have impact when he plays the game, not just on the penalty kill, but five-on-five as well.”

Beecher, who will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, is never going to be a player who puts up big numbers. That said, this final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign is the perfect opportunity for him to show that he can be relied upon in a fourth-line centre role next season and perhaps beyond.

Pospisil Back with the Flames

Though it was very much in question due to an upper-body injury, Martin Pospisil was able to make his way to Italy to suit up for Slovakia at the Olympics. The 26-year-old was one of six players the Slovakian brass chose to lock onto their roster last summer.

Martin Pospisil, Calgary Flames (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Pospisil and his Slovakian teammates were able to put up a great fight. Entering the tournament as major underdogs, they were able to advance all the way to the semi final where they lost to the US. They weren’t able to pick up a medal as they fell to Finland by a 6-1 final in the bronze medal matchup. Despite the disappointing ending, it was a great effort from Slovakia. As for Pospisil, he was able to log an assist in four games.

Looking Ahead for the Flames

After a lengthy break due to the Olympics, the Flames are in California and will get back in action on Thursday night versus the San Jose Sharks. They’ll then head to LA to take on the Kings on Saturday, before ending their week on Sunday in a game against Leo Carlsson and the Anaheim Ducks.