The Minnesota Wild have acquired forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olili Maatta from the Calgary Flames for defenseman Jake Middleton, a 2029 second-round pick, 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fourth-round pick.
The Calgary Flames are retaining 50 percent of Coleman’s salary.
The 34-year-old Coleman is in the last year of his contract at a $4.9 million cap hit. He’ll count $2.45 million towards the Wild’s cap.
The 31-year-old Maatta has two years left at $3.5 million.
The 30-year-old Middleton has three years left at $4.35 million.
The Wild add $1.6 million to their cap after the trade.
Thoughts from the media
Eric Francis: “Market for Coleman surprisingly soft, so Flames opted to avoid distraction and targeted toughness to protect youngsters.
Return isn’t what many hoped or expected, but Coleman turns 35 this year and had a 10-team trade list. Middleton, 30, is a high character leader who can help fill the void of Coleman’s leadership, and the deal opens up even more opportunity for guys like Zary and Honzek to grow. Middleton also did wonders to help Faber grow.”
Salim Nadim Valji: “Coleman took pressure off other guys in that regard, incl captain Mikael Backlund. He maybe didn’t put up the biggest offensive numbers (not that that was his role)…but Coleman may go down as one of the more impactful free agent signings in franchise history.”
Michael Russo: “With today’s trade and barring more deals this offseason, #mnwild replace Middleton with Maatta and get a second-line left wing in Coleman for next season. Costs $1.6 million more than Middleton Leaves them with $4.5 million before re-signing Daemon Hunt.”
Ryan Pike: -$1.6 million reduction in cap commitments for 2026-27 -Extra year of contract term added (Middleton over Maatta) -Three picks added -Forward roster spot opened.”
Eric Francis: Flames GM Craig Conroy on Middleton: “We think he brings a lot to our team, especially with Nemec and Parekh. You look 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 that’s going to protect our players, and I think we need that, especially with losing Lomberg.”
Blake Coleman, acquired by MIN, is a two-way second line utility winger who brings speed, motor, and scoring touch. pic.twitter.com/LLo5qleW1v
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 2, 2026
Olli Maatta, acquired by MIN, is a defensive defenceman who brings a stabilizing on-ice impact despite his poor foot speed. pic.twitter.com/sLjhuJtDlo
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 2, 2026
Jacob Middleton, acquired by CGY, is a third pairing two-way defenceman. pic.twitter.com/ANQMsETBUj
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 2, 2026
We had to restart our X account. Please follow @MyNHLRumorsX
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.
If you love our reporting, choose NHLrumors.com as a preferred source on Google.
