Once considered potential trade pieces, two Flames are no longer being listed on a Big Trade Board in November.
Journalist Lyle Richardson takes a look at what he calls an NHL Trade Block Big Board each month. An interesting development for November saw a significant change when it came to two members of the Calgary Flames --- Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri.
Both Kadri and Coleman were previously listed as potential trade targets on October's Trade Block Big Board. However, both players have since been removed from Richardson's updated November list—a decision that likely reflects their respective levels of production and the Flames’ early success this season.
Coleman, who ranked No. 5 on Richardson's board just a month ago, initially seemed like a potential trade candidate. After the Flames engaged in several high-profile trades last season, there was speculation about which players might follow if the team continued to struggle. Coleman, a two-way forward with two years left (after this season) on his $4.9 million contract, drew interest due to his playoff experience and value as a veteran presence. Richardson pointed out that The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek even highlighted him as a potential trade asset for Calgary if their playoff hopes began to wane.
Seeing as the Flames are playing well to start the season and Coleman isn't a rental, talk has simmered down. Coleman has three goals and six points in 11 games.
Meanwhile, Kadri, who ranked No. 7 on Richardson's October board, faced similar trade speculation. Questions surfaced over the summer about whether Kadri, who has a full no-movement clause, would stay with the Flames given his role on a team transitioning out of a rebuild. Kadri addressed these rumors head-on during training camp, telling the media to "pump the brakes." Kadri hasn't produced as he'd like with six points in 11 games. Not to mention, he's got five seasons remaining at $7 million per season on his current contract. Teams won't be looking at him unless he starts to pick things up. Even then, he might be a harder sell.
With both players now off the trade board, it suggests that their production might have something to do with the change, but also because Calgary’s solid start means they aren't necessarily a lottery team. Both things might factor into each players' respective decision to stay long-term with the franchise.
If the Flames’ playoff chances decrease, discussions around Coleman and Kadri could reignite and they could find themselves on December's list.