Fans of the Calgary Flames have long been expecting a Blake Coleman trade, and the day after a very quiet opening to free agency, the team finally pulled the trigger, dealing Coleman to Minnesota along with Olli Maatta for Jake Middleton and three draft picks.
The reaction on social media has certainly been mixed, and while some fans believe the team should have landed a first-round pick, three significant future assets in the return isn't something to scoff at. So, how did the Flames make out in the latest dealunder GM Craig Conroy? Let's take a look and grade the trade.
Calgary Flames receive: Jake Middleton, 2027 third-round pick, 2028 fourth-round pick, 2029 second-round pick.
TRADE ALERT‼️
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 2, 2026
We've acquired Jacob Middleton, a 2029 second round pick, a 2027 third round pick, and a 2028 fourth round pick from Minnesota in exchange for Blake Coleman and Olli Määttä. pic.twitter.com/ESC1o7JPTC
When the original report stated the Flames were getting just Middleton in return, fans erupted, but shortly after, Elliotte Friedman swooped in and revealed picks as well, stating that the Flames were going to land three selections over the next three years.
Sure, a first-round pick would have been great, but Coleman will be 35 when he's ready to sign his next contract, and with just one year remaining on his current deal, getting three assets in return is a great move for Calgary.
The one asset that hasn't been talked about enough for Calgary is moving out a player that could help them win games in 2026/27, and with the team targeting a potential top-three pick for the first time in franchise history, giving that opportunity instead to a young forward looking to cement his role in the NHL makes this deal even better.
On top of that, the team get a good culture setter in Alberta native Middleton, who was a fan favourite during his time with the Wild, and while he has one more year of term over Olli Maatta, he should be a very moveable asset at one of the next two trade deadlines.
Grade: A-
This deal is only as good as what the Flames do with Middleton and the three picks involved in the deal, but after opening up a spot for a future piece and adding a veteran, physical defenseman that should lead to a trade of Joel Hanley and/or Brayden Pachal, this deal is a win for the Flames.
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