As a fan, it's awesome.
Plop yourself on the couch and indulge in the midday drama.
As a player … not so much.
For them, the amplified theatre that is the NHL trade deadline is less fan fodder and more like a stressful biopic.
"It will always be a story we look back on," said Coleman, who was traded from the Devils to the Lightning a week from the deadline in 2020.
His wife, Jordan, was pregnant at the time, and only two weeks out from her due date with the couple's first child.
"I'm sure, one day, our daughter will get a kick out of it," Coleman laughed. "Obviously, getting her down there with 10 days to spare and finding a doctor and all that, it was pretty memorable for us. It all worked out for us and the rest is history, but we talk about it every time deadline day comes up. It's definitely a funny story to look back on."
Typically, though, it's the players on 'selling' teams that have the most to worried about.
The Flames are one of the top dogs in the West and have their sights set on contending for the Cup this year. As a result, Flames GM Brad Treliving has helped load up the corps, adding Tyler Toffoli and Calle Jarnkrok over the past month.
That, Coleman says, changes the mood entirely.
"We've put ourselves in a position to not be getting rid of guys and getting rid of friends and teammates, which is nice," he said. "We're adding pieces to our group instead of taking away. That's the spot you want to be in. Tre's done a great job bringing in Calle and Toff and their impacts have been pretty immediate for us. So far, so good. I think everybody in our room will tell you we like our group and are excited about the opportunity ahead."
Naturally, most players have been on both sides of the equation. The aforementioned Toffoli was added by the Canucks a week from the deadline in 2020, as well.
Just last year, Erik Gudbranson went from the Ottawa Senators to the Nashville Predators. He, of a young family, too.
And Jarnkrok - a prospect with the Detroit Red Wings at the time - was dealt to the Predators on deadline day in 2014.
"There are just so many rumours that fly around and you see all the 'trade bait' lists with like 60 names thrown on there," Coleman said. "Those are all guys with unique situations, families.
"There are different ways to look at it. Obviously, it's a good thing - for the most part - if teams are looking to pick you up and think you can be a piece of a playoff team. Obviously, the goal of this game is to get to the playoffs and play in those games. It does give guys a chance if they're on struggling teams to get some new life shot into them and new opportunities.
"Really, just watching the clock and watching the TVs until deadline time officially hits, and even a few minutes after. I was fortunate enough to get traded a couple weeks before the deadline, so I didn't have to sit and wait.
"There's a lot going on and guys are definitely paying attention as GMs are trying to make the best team that they can."
