Two-Time Stanley Cup champion linked to Canadiens as trade talks emerge
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The name Blake Coleman is coming up strongly in discussions surrounding the Canadiens.
On Thursday, Pierre LeBrun put his name back on the table in connection with Montreal. The idea would be simple: check on his availability in Calgary, for a veteran forward.
Coleman is 34 years old and was drafted 75th overall in 2011. He plays left wing and previously wore the New Jersey uniform before settling in with the Flames.
In Calgary, in 2023-2024, he posted the best offensive season of his career. In 78 games, he filled the scoresheet with 30 goals and 24 assists for 54 points.
The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly currently in discussions regarding a possible acquisition from Calgary
"Another player who, according to my information, is fairly high on the Canadiens' list is Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames, who incidentally faced the Canadiens on Wednesday night at the Bell Centre.
I think Blake Coleman is a player that several teams around the league regularly call the Flames about. We understand why. He has won the Cup twice. He's a character guy, a leader. He plays a very physical game. He's also a player who becomes even more important during the playoffs.
That type of player is signed this season and next at $4.9 million, which is a good contract. And from what I understand, he's a name the Canadiens are discussing internally."
- Pierre LeBrun
I think Blake Coleman is a player that several teams around the league regularly call the Flames about. We understand why. He has won the Cup twice. He's a character guy, a leader. He plays a very physical game. He's also a player who becomes even more important during the playoffs.
That type of player is signed this season and next at $4.9 million, which is a good contract. And from what I understand, he's a name the Canadiens are discussing internally."
- Pierre LeBrun
"The Canadiens nabbed No. 9 on the list when they acquired center Phillip Danault from the Kings one hour before the holiday trade freeze, but they still have trade capital and Coleman plays a hard game, kills penalties, can pitch in on the power play and has Stanley Cup pedigree. But the real beauty is he has one year left on his contract after this one, same as Danault, Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson. By 2027-28, the Canadiens should be ready to truly hand the team over to their youngest players. Until then, players such as Coleman and Danault can help serve as a veteran bridge."
- Arpon Basu
- Arpon Basu
In the 2020 playoffs with the Lightning, he played 25 games. He produced 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points and went on a long spring run.
This season, he also made an impression in a specific game on October 26. Against the New York Rangers, he scored two goals in a 5-1 victory. His first was scored shorthanded at 6:42 of the third period.
For the Canadiens, this file looks primarily like a check on price and availability. If Kent Hughes wants to add reinforcements without touching the core, a veteran like Coleman becomes a logical option.
It remains to be seen whether Calgary truly wants to make a move, and at what cost. In the meantime, the rumors are keeping Montreal very active, and fans are following it closely.
Story to follow!
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