Sipu Jha
The Calgary Flames are sending a clear message that they are willing to make deals leading up to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, but trading top defenseman Mackenzie Weegar will not come cheaply. Sources within the league believe that they are looking for a high draft pick and a top prospect or NHL-ready player in return for Mackenzie Weegar, which reflects the team’s dedication to rebuilding through asset accumulation.Interest in Mackenzie Weegar is picking up as playoff contenders look to shore up their blue lines. Weegar, 32, has a reasonable cap hit of $6.25 million through the 2030-31 season, making him much more than a rental player. His high-end minute-gathering ability, physical play, and versatility to play all situations have made him one of the most valuable defensemen available.
NHL contenders face steep deadline cost as Calgary Flames look to put huge price tag on Mackenzie Weegar
Several teams have already shown interest in Mackenzie Weegar. The Ottawa Senators are one of the teams that need a boost on the right side, while the Detroit Red Wings have also shown interest. In general, the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth are thought to be following the developments, which is not surprising given that quality defensemen are hard to come by in the current market.The Calgary Flames strategy is simple. If the team trades away one of its core players who is under a long-term contract, the return should expedite the rebuild. This approach is consistent with the team’s previous major trade, where they received a tremendous package, which reinforces the team’s management’s commitment to seeking long-term gains rather than short-term ones.Weegar’s traditional stats this year are indicative of the struggles of playing with a struggling team – three goals, 20 points, and a problematic plus/minus rating. Nevertheless, his underlying game is still excellent. He averages more than 23 minutes per game, is one of the team leaders in blocked shots and hits, and continues to face top-level competition.Since coming to Calgary in 2022, Weegar has been a steady presence, putting up 35 goals, 150 points, and countless blocks and hits in 300 games. And with a contract that is secure, Weegar is one of the most stable defensive options available to teams at the trade deadline.The question is no longer whether teams are interested in Weegar. It is whether any playoff contender is willing to pay the hefty price tag that Calgary is demanding. With the market leaning in favor of sellers and playoff-bound teams looking to shore up their defensive corps, Calgary may be in a position to call the shots—and perhaps change the course of their franchise with one big trade.
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