Flames Traded Blake Coleman to Wild in July
The Calgary Flames sent Blake Coleman and Olli Määttä to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Jake Middleton.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
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In July 2026, the Calgary Flames traded Blake Coleman and Olli Määttä to the Minnesota Wild for Jake Middleton. The deal followed months of rumors regarding Coleman, who sought to join a team capable of making a deep playoff run.
Why it matters
The Minnesota Wild pursued this trade to bolster their top six forward group with a veteran presence. Meanwhile, Coleman, who is in the final year of his $4.9 million annual contract, moved to his new team with his family to pursue his championship aspirations.
Blake Coleman is 34 years old and has recorded 15-plus goals in seven seasons, including a 30-goal campaign three years ago. He is currently playing under a six-year contract valued at $4.9 million annually.
The players
Blake Coleman
He is a 34-year-old veteran NHL forward who is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and father of four children.
Minnesota Wild
This professional hockey team is based in Saint Paul and competes in the Central Division of the Western Conference.
Calgary Flames
This professional hockey team is based in Alberta and has missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.
Jake Middleton
He is a professional defenseman who was acquired by the Calgary Flames in the trade deal.
Olli Määttä
He is an experienced defenseman who was traded by the Calgary Flames to the Minnesota Wild.
The details
After months of trade speculation, the move was finalized in July when Coleman informed his wife of the deal. He is expected to join the Wild's second line alongside Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy.
Timeline
1993: Minnesota North Stars relocated to Dallas.
1999: Dallas Stars reached the Stanley Cup.
2020: Blake Coleman won his first Stanley Cup.
2021: Blake Coleman won his second Stanley Cup.
July 2026: Blake Coleman was traded to the Minnesota Wild.
Season Trajectory
This trade shifts the Minnesota Wild toward a win-now mentality by adding established veteran depth to their forward group. It alters the competitive balance for the Wild, who look to integrate Coleman's two-time championship experience into a roster aiming to secure a playoff spot.
Fantasy owners should note Coleman's expected placement on the second line with Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy, which significantly elevates his offensive potential. Meanwhile, the Flames must now adjust their defensive rotation to incorporate Jake Middleton following the departure of their top-six forward.
The takeaway
Players approaching the final year of their contracts often face high-stakes transitions as they prioritize joining contending rosters. Readers should monitor how veteran additions impact team chemistry and depth-scoring consistency throughout the remainder of the season.
Further reading
For more updates on professional league transactions, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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