Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Zach Whitecloud Might Be Exactly What the Flames Need

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 3:35 PM ET

Trading Rasmus Andersson was always going to raise eyebrows, and seeing Zach Whitecloud come back in the package left a lot of fans less than impressed. But he’s not without value, either. The bottom line is that he’s a trusted, reliable blueliner with a history of playing winning hockey.

Whitecloud Has Spent His Entire Career with the Golden Knights

Whitecloud spent his entire NHL life in Vegas. He came as an undrafted free agent and carved out a role the hard way. Coaches liked him because he plays solid, honest hockey. Teammates appreciate him because he does the thankless jobs that help them win games. Opponents know him for his physicality. He finishes his checks and doesn’t give opponents space.

At his best, Whitecloud gives you quiet, reliable minutes. He’s a right-shot guy who can play close to 20 a night, keep things simple, block shots, and take care of the front of the net without making it an adventure.

Offensively, fans should expect him to chip in here and there. His scores come from turning broken plays around, making quick reads, and capitalizing on mistakes. Don’t expect him to carry the attack. Whitecloud deals with what comes his way. If he gets into trouble, it’s because he overcomplicates a play instead of sticking to his strengths.

Will Whitecloud Benefit from a Reset with the Flames?

Whitecloud does come to Calgary with a few honest question marks. His underlying numbers have slipped the last couple of seasons, and this season has been more uneven. He might just be a player who needs a reset. Still, at 29, he isn’t a development project. What Flames fans see now is pretty much what the team is going to get.

The one real positive for the Flames is that Whitecloud brings real playoff experience. As part of Vegas’ Stanley Cup runs, he’s scored big goals and stayed calm when the games got tense.

Whitecloud Is a Player Who’s Earned His Spot

There’s also something quite positive about Whitecloud’s NHL career that could sit well in a market like Calgary. He was undrafted and earned every inch of what he’s got.

He isn’t going to replace Andersson’s highlight reel. But a guy who quietly handles heavy minutes, blocks shots, and does the gritty stuff? That’s the kind of player you notice when things get tough. He does the work most people don’t see—and that’s exactly why he matters.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: