Here’s a 2025–26 season outlook for the Calgary Flames—including a recap of 2024–25, key changes, a roster snapshot, depth charts, and a prediction for the year ahead.
Things are buzzing in Calgary as the Flames enter the 2025 season with some serious changes and newfound excitement. The off-season was a whirlwind, full of strategic moves aiming to shake up the roster and push the Flames towards playoff success. From trades to fresh signings, the Flames have mixed things up, hoping to ignite some new fire out on the ice.
But what’s also super exciting is the buzz around some of the younger players ready to step up. Last year, these young stars showed flashes of brilliance, and now they’re looking to cement their spots as key contributors. Their development and hunger could be just what the Flames need to bring more dynamism and depth to the squad.
Recap of 2024-25
The Flames had something of a bittersweet 2024–25. They finished with a record of 41-27-14 (96 points) and landed 4th in the Pacific Division.
However, despite the strong point total, they missed the playoffs, tying the NHL record for most points by a non-playoff team.
What worked
The goaltending from a young net-minder (Dustin Wolf) stepped up, giving the Flames a chance night after night.
The defensive corps had some positive signs in structure and commitment.
The team repeatedly showed they could compete—and in many games, they did—but suffered from narrow margins.
What didn’t
The big glaring issue: scoring. The Flames scored just 220 goals (29th of 32) in 2024–25.
They allowed 236 goals, which is middle of the pack (15th of 32) but given the scoring deficit it magnified the impact of every mistake.
As some analysts pointed out, the 2024–25 season may have been an overperformance relative to the underlying structure and youth on the roster, so regression was a concern.
In summary: the Flames are closer than a few seasons ago, but still short of true playoff-calibre depth, especially on the attack.
2025–26 Season Outlook & Summary
Heading into 2025–26, Calgary finds itself in an interesting “on-the-rise but not yet elite” spot. The impetus will be on building consistency, adding secondary scoring, tightening up defence, and converting potential into regular wins rather than near-misses.
Key themes
Youth and breakout potential: With players like Matt Coronato and Connor Zary starting to show their NHL chops, the next step is turning “promise” into full-time reliable contributions.
Scoring ramp-up required: The goals-for gap must be addressed. Whether through internal improvement, free-agent additions, or trade upgrades, more firepower is essential.
Defensive depth & stability: The Flames have some solid pieces, but depth on the blue line and in the crease will make a difference over a long season.
Cap/contract decisions and timing: From re-signing RFAs to managing UFA departures, the front office’s ability to lock in key pieces and make smart moves will dictate how far they can go.
Off-season / Additions & Subtractions
While Calgary did not make blockbuster splashy moves, there are some important notes:
Additions / re-signings
The Flames signed goaltender Ivan Prosvetov (from CSKA Moscow) to add depth in net.
The team tendered qualifying offers and re-signed a number of RFAs, showing commitment to their internal pipeline.
Contractual anchor: defenseman Kevin Bahl signed a long-term deal (6 yrs, $32.1 M) keeping him in Calgary’s core.
Reuters
Departures / uncertainties
Some UFAs (unrestricted free agents) are unlikely to be retained by Calgary, creating holes to fill.
One key situation: The contract status of defenseman Rasmus Andersson remains a storyline and could lead to changes.
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What to watch
Will the Flames upgrade their scoring? New faces or internal growth will be required.
How will fatigue/injuries be managed given the younger roster?
Can Calgary convert one or two “close” seasons into a full playoff berth?
Special teams (power play and penalty kill) may determine whether they turn “good” into “solid.”
Roster Chart (projected core for 2025–26)
Below is a simplified chart of key players on the Flames heading into the season.
Forwards
C: Nazem Kadri – veteran presence, big 6 centre.
C: Morgan Frost – younger centre aiming to take next step.
LW/RW: Blake Coleman – physical, veteran forward.
LW/RW: Matthew Tkachuk? (Note: if still on roster)— but if not, then others fill top roles.
LW/RW: Matt Coronato – emerging young forward.
LW/RW: Connor Zary – developing into regular contributor.
Defence
D: MacKenzie Weegar – steady top-pairing defender.
D: Kevin Bahl – big, physical top-4.
D: Rasmus Andersson – pending contract/ride-or-trade situation.
Other supporting defencemen: pieces like Joel Hanley, Nikita Okhotyuk, etc.
Goaltending
Starter: Dustin Wolf – proven in 2024-25.
Backup / depth: Ivan Prosvetov, possibly internal options.
Depth Chart / Line Chart (Offence & Defence)
Here’s a projected depth breakdown—not exact but representative of how the lines might shake out.
Offence
First line
LW: Matt Coronato
C: Nazem Kadri
RW: Blake Coleman
Second line
LW: Connor Zary
C: Morgan Frost
RW: (Veteran or up-and-coming forward)
Third line / depth line
Mix of younger forwards and role players (e.g., someone on the LW/RW wings who is less established)
Fourth line
Energy/defensive forwards, penalty-kill specialists.
Defense
Top pairing
D1: MacKenzie Weegar
D2: Kevin Bahl
Second pairing
D3: Rasmus Andersson (or if replaced/traded, new top-4 role)
D4: Veteran or emerging defenceman
Third pairing / depth
D5/D6: Younger defenders, rotational players, bridging AHL/NHL.
Goaltending
Starter: Dustin Wolf
Backup: Ivan Prosvetov (or other NHL-capable backup)
Depth: prospect/third goalie.
Prediction for the Season
Given the progress the Flames made in 2024–25 and their current state, here is how I see 2025–26 shaping up:
Overall finish
I predict the Flames will finish in the wild-card mix in the Western Conference. They should improve their point total slightly—perhaps in the 98-105 point range—but whether that is enough to make the playoffs will depend heavily on the strength of the division and conference.
Given their youth and need for scoring upgrades, I lean slightly toward just making the playoffs or narrowly missing again.
What needs to happen
If they upgrade their offensive output by ~10–15 goals above last year, that will make a big difference.
Continued strong goaltending and tighter defence will allow them to convert close games into wins.
Health and consistency will matter—if injuries hit the young core or veterans fade, they could regress.
Wild-cards
If the Flames get hot on special teams (for example a better power play), they could punch above their weight.
Conversely, if their scoring fails to progress and they again lean too heavily on goaltending/defence, they risk being another high-point non-playoff club.
Bold scenario
If everything clicks—young players step up, key role-players emerge, management adds one mid-season scoring piece—Calgary could finish top 3 in the Pacific, push deep into a playoff seed and go on a strong postseason run. That may be optimistic, but the core is there.
Game Plan: Strategic Approaches to Secure Victory
The Flames have some cool tricks up their sleeve this season, shifting their game plan to capitalize on both old strengths and new talents. This isn’t just about outscoring opponents but also outsmarting them on the ice.
Offensively, the focus is on aggressive plays with a high-pressure game aimed at keeping opponents on their toes. Expect some fast-paced moves and creative puck handling to open up scoring opportunities. The goal here is to be relentless in attack, making every shift count.
Defensively, the Flames are all about tightening up the zone and maintaining solid coverage. With new players slotting in, there’s an added emphasis on communication and cohesion to minimize opponent chances. It’s about turning defense into offense with quick transitions and sharp counter-attacks.
The coaching staff is working hard to refine these strategies, ensuring every player understands their role. Every decision made by the coaches is aimed at bringing out the best in each player’s unique talents.
Special teams are another area where the Flames hope to dominate. Power plays are being crafted to create high-percentage scoring chances, while penalty kills focus on fast clearances and exploiting turnovers. Win the special teams battle, win the game.
Final Thoughts
The Flames are at a pivotal moment. They are no longer rebuilding from the ground up—they’ve shown they can win games and compete night-in, night-out. But to break through (i.e., secure a sustainable playoff berth and not just flirt with the boundary), they must fill in the holes—namely additional scoring, deeper defensive and goaltending support, and avoiding regression in key areas.
From a fan’s perspective, this season should be exciting. Expect tighter games, meaningful late-season hockey, and for the Flames to be on the cusp. The difference between “on the cusp” and “in the hunt” depends on a few details. If Calgary can take those next incremental steps, 2025-26 could be the season they stop chasing and start asserting.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Flames are set on achieving some key milestones that could redefine the team’s future. With their reshaped roster and strategic gameplay, the Flames are not just aiming for a playoff spot—they’re aiming to go deep.
The competition in the conference is fierce, with rivals strengthening their sides too. This means the Flames will need to stay sharp, constantly adapting to each team they face. Knowing the opposition and being prepared for differing styles can make all the difference.
Challenges are sure to come, whether from team dynamics, unexpected injuries, or tough opposition. But handling these hurdles with resilience and quick adaptability allows the Flames to maintain their competitive edge and keep spirits high throughout the locker room.
Experts weigh in with some bold predictions for the Flames, ranging from making a solid playoff run to even surprising a few contenders along the way. The road won’t be easy, but with strong leadership and a united team front, the Flames might just set the ice ablaze this year.