Calgary is bulking up on defence.
The Flames have traded for defenceman Jake Middleton and three draft picks from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Blake Coleman and defenceman Olli Maatta, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Heading to Calgary as part of the deal are a second-round pick in 2029, a third-rounder in 2027 and a fourth-rounder in 2028. Calgary is also retaining 50 per cent of Coleman's $4.9 million salary.
Middleton spent his last 4 1/2 years in Minnesota, recording two goals and 14 assists this past season. His best season was 2023-24, when he put up 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists).
The 30-year-old was a seventh-round pick in 2014, and spent his first few NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks. In 29 career playoff games, Middleton has recorded no goals and six assists.
In Coleman, the Wild acquire a sturdy veteran who was an alternate captain in Calgary. Coleman put up 20 goals and 15 assists this past season. His career-year came in 2023-24, when he scored 30 goals along with 24 assists.
Maatta played just 21 games in Calgary after being traded from the Utah Mammoth mid-season. Between Calgary and Utah, Maatta recorded two goals and 13 assists in 43 games. He has also played for the Red Wings, Kings, Blackhawks and Penguins.
