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Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

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

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Rupert McDonald | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 8:45 AM ET

In this week’s edition of Calgary Flames News & Rumours, Nazem Kadri is continuing to be discussed in trade rumours, with one Eastern Conference team in particular seeming to be interested. In other news, Martin Pospisil and Slovakia have advanced into the final-four stage at the Olympics. Meanwhile, Zach Whitecloud’s name is also popping back up in some trade speculation. Last but not least, Matvei Gridin took part in the American Hockey League (AHL) All-Star game this weekend.

Kadri Being Linked to Habs

Given the Flames’ struggles this season, Nazem Kadri has been talked about as a potential trade candidate for quite some time. Once the Olympic trade freeze comes to an end, noise surrounding him should only continue to grow louder.

Kadri, who has a team-leading 39 points through 56 games, has most recently been linked to the Montreal Canadiens. The Flames centreman does have a 13-team no-trade clause, but is reportedly open to joining the Habs. Whether or not they can make it work from a salary perspective remains to be seen, but it’s a situation for Flames fans to keep an eye on going forward.

Pospisil Aiming for Olympic Medal

Martin Pospisil and Slovakia weren’t considered favourites by any stretch heading into the Winter Olympics, but thanks to a 6-2 win over Germany on Wednesday, they have advanced to the semi-final. Slovakia, who went 2-1 through the preliminary stage, will now face USA on Friday.

USA is no easy opponent, as they were viewed as one of the biggest favourites heading in. That said, Slovakia has caught everybody off guard, and could do the same once again. As for Pospisil, he’s registered one assist so far, while former Calgary Flame Adam Ruzicka has stepped up with two goals and four points.

Does Whitecloud Stay or Go?

Immediately after acquiring Zach Whitecloud from the Vegas Golden Knights, plenty of Flames fans were talking about flipping him. That logic made sense given that he’s 29-years-old and doesn’t seemingly fit into the organization’s long-term plans. That said, things have changed in a hurry to the point that it seems fair to suggest the vast majority of the fan base would like to keep him around.

Since the moment he’s arrived, Whitecloud has continued to express how excited he is to be a part of the Flames. It’s been a while since this fan base has heard such strong and positive comments. It means even more to these fans given that they’ve seen several other players prefer to head elsewhere.

Whitecloud’s solid play and quickly growing popularity in Calgary has quieted things down in regards to him being dealt a second time. That said, there are several playoff calibre teams that would better themselves by adding him, like, for example, the Detroit Red Wings.

Gridin Makes All Star Appearance

With the NHL in its Olympic break, the Flames chose to re-assign Matvei Gridin to the Calgary Wranglers. Not only did that mean he would get in some game action, but that he’d get to participate in the AHL All-Star game as the Wranglers’ lone representative.

Gridin impressed at the All-Star festivities, recording three assists in four games. The 19-year-old has had a strong rookie season, posting 10 goals and 29 points through 36 games with the Wranglers. He’s been solid through 13 games with the Flames as well, scoring three goals and six points. He will be back in the Flames lineup following the Olympic break.

Looking Ahead for the Flames

The long break for the Flames continues, as they have exactly one week to go before their next game, which will come on the road versus the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, Feb. 26. They will then take on the LA Kings on Saturday before playing the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks.