NHL Trade: Minnesota Wild Acquire Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta from Calgary Flames
The Minnesota Wild acquired forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olili Maatta from the Calgary Flames for defenseman Jake Middleton, a 2029 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fourth-round pick.
The Calgary Flames retained 50 percent of Coleman's salary.
The 34-year-old Coleman is in the final year of his $4.9 million contract. He will count $2.45 million toward the Wild's cap.
Maatta, 31, has two years at $3.5 million.
The 30-year-old Middleton has three years left at $4.35 million.
The Wild added $1.6 million to their cap after the trade.
Thoughts from the media
Eric Francis: “The market for Coleman it's incredibly soft, so the Flames chose to avoid distractions and target toughness to protect the young.
The comeback isn't something many expected or expected, but Coleman turns 35 this year and had a 10-team trade list. Middleton, 30, is an elite leader who could help fill Coleman's leadership void, and the deal opens up plenty of room for guys like Zary and Honzek to grow. Middleton also did wonders to help Faber grow.”
Salim Nadim Valji: “Coleman took the pressure off other guys in that, including captain Mikael Backlund. Maybe he didn't put up offensive numbers (not that that was his role)…but Coleman may go down as one of the best free agent signings in franchise history.”
Michael Russo: “With today's trade and barring many deals this offseason, #umzwilili replace Middleton with Maatta and get a second left wing in Coleman next season. He costs $1.6 million more than Middleton, leaving them with $4.5 million before re-signing Daemon Hunt.”
Ryan Pike: –$1.6 million in reduced cap obligations for 2026-27 -An additional year of contract time was added (Middleton over Maatta) -Three picks were added -A roster spot is open.”
Eric Francis: Flames manager Craig Conroy on Middleton: “We think he brings a lot to our team, especially with Nemec and Parekh. You look at what he did with Faber. He brings a presence, guys have to respect him. He's a good player, but he's also a guy who's going to protect our players, and I think we need that, especially with the loss of Lomberg.”
Blake Coleman, acquired by MIN, is a two-way second-line winger who brings pace, drive, and scoring touch. pic.twitter.com/LLo5qleW1v
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 2, 2026
Olli Maatta, acquired by MIN, is a defensive defenseman who brings a steady impact on the ice despite his poor foot speed. pic.twitter.com/sLjhuJtDlo
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 2, 2026
Jacob Middleton, acquired by CGY, is a three-way defenseman. pic.twitter.com/ANQMsETBUj
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 2, 2026
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