Nathan MacKinnon had three assists, while his new linemate Martin Necas had two goals and an assist to help the Avalanche shrug off a slow start before rolling past the Flames, 4-2, at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Martin Necas scored twice in a three-point game and Cale Makar collected one goal and one assist to pace the visiting Colorado Avalanche to a 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday.

The Calgary Flames will be a team worth keeping an eye on over the next month as the trade deadline inches closer.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri and defenseman Rasmus Andersson have occasionally surfaced in the NHL rumor mill this season. Speculation has dogged the 34-year-old Kadri since last summer while Andersson's eligibility for UFA status in 2026 had some observers pondering his future in the Stampede City.

The Calgary Flames are in an interesting position. No one expected them to be a good team, yet here they are, battling for a playoff spot. Their recent trade has proved that they are pushing for the playoffs and will not sell at the trade deadline.