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Former Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Rupert McDonald | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 7:01 PM ET

In this week’s edition of Calgary Flames News & Rumours, Zach Whitecloud just arrived via trade, but could be on the move again soon. Meanwhile, Rasmus Andersson has finally joined the Vegas Golden Knights after visa issues. In other news, Nazem Kadri’s name continues to be discussed in trade speculation. Last, but not least, Martin Pospisil was able to make his season debut on Wednesday.

Whitecloud Could Be Flipped Ahead of Deadline

Though defenceman Zach Whitecloud was only acquired by the Calgary Flames last week, his stay with the organization could wind up being short lived. The 29-year-old, who is under contract through the 2027-28 season with a cap hit of just $2.75 million, is expected to receive interest from several teams. With the Flames in a rebuilding stage, moving him for future pieces is something general manager (GM) Craig Conroy may consider.

“If the Flames want to do this, I don’t think they’re going to have a problem finding interest. It just comes down to, do they find a price that they like,” Elliotte Friedman said this past week on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Whitecloud, who won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, has suited up for three games with the Flames thus far, registering one assist. He’s a reliable top-six defenceman, and, given his team-friendly contract, could garner a nice return should the Flames indeed decide to move him out this season.

Andersson Makes Golden Knights Debut

While Whitecloud was able to suit up with the Flames the day after being traded, things weren’t the same for Rasmus Andersson. As is often the case when players are traded south of the border, the Swedish blueliner was forced to wait several days due to visa issues.

Andersson was able to make his debut this past Friday, however, registering an assist in a 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He continued to log big minutes, suiting up for 21:33 in the debut. He is expected to continue handling a top-four role as he and the Golden Knights have their sights set on a Stanley Cup.

Kadri Could Be Next Flame Traded

Despite being under contract through the 2028-29 season, Nazem Kadri’s name is still being brought up plenty as a potential trade piece. The 35-year-old, who won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, has nine goals and a team-leading 34 points through 51 games this season.

“He’s chasing that Stanley Cup,” Darren Dreger said on the Barnburner podcast. “If there’s opportunity to go to a Cup contending team, then he’s all in for that … Because the market is still relatively thin at centre ice, I do know that there is interest in Kadri.”

Though he’s having a disappointing season by his standards, one can’t help but think that Kadri would be highly motivated to play some of his best hockey. He isn’t washed up by any means, as he scored a career-high 35 goals in 2024-25.

Pospisil Back for the Flames

Though he admitted there were some tough days during his recovery, Martin Pospisil was able to make his season debut with the Flames this past Wednesday. The 26-year-old, who suffered an injury during the preseason, has skated in two games thus far, logging roughly 13 minutes of ice time in each.

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

Though Pospisil isn’t going to bring a whole lot of offence, his speed and physicality makes the Flames a much tougher team to go up against. It’s already very clear that his physicality remains, as he logged five hits in his debut on Wednesday versus the New Jersey Devils.

Looking Ahead for the Flames

After wrapping up a five-game homestand on Sunday night versus the Anaheim Ducks, the Flames will enjoy a well-deserved three-day break before a road game on Thursday versus the Minnesota Wild. They will then return home for their second and final game of the week on Saturday afternoon against Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks.