The Calgary Flames are aiming to build on their strong finish from last season as they strive to secure a spot in the NHL playoffs. Despite ending the previous campaign with a 15-6-6 record, the Flames missed the postseason for the third consecutive year, falling short in a tiebreaker for a conference wild-card berth.
With a core group of players returning and the infusion of young talent overseen by general manager Craig Conroy, the Flames are looking to not only maintain their 15-point improvement from the prior season but also make further progress. Center Nazem Kadri, who led the team with 35 goals and 32 assists last season, emphasized the need to secure additional points to propel the team forward.
The upcoming 2025-26 regular season sees the Flames kick off with back-to-back road games in Edmonton and Vancouver before their home opener against the St. Louis Blues. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar highlighted the challenging schedule ahead, noting that teams will be more prepared to face the Flames this season compared to the previous one.
Head coach Ryan Huska, entering his third season with the team, recently signed a two-year contract extension, offering stability to the coaching staff. The Flames will continue to rely on key players like Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman, Jonathan Huberdeau, Kadri, and Weegar to foster a culture of hard work and enjoyment on the ice.
The emergence of young talents such as forwards Matt Coronato and Connor Zary, defenseman Kevin Bahl, and goaltender Dustin Wolf has been crucial for the Flames. Wolf, a standout performer who narrowly missed out on the Calder Memorial Trophy for top rookie, secured a significant contract extension, underlining his importance to the team’s future success.
As the Flames gear up for the new season, the players are determined to silence any doubters who question their abilities. Kadri emphasized the team’s high expectations, strong work ethic, and leadership, highlighting the depth and talent present within the roster.
The construction of the new arena at Scotia Place is a significant development for the Flames, with an expected opening in the 2027-28 NHL season. This $1.2-billion project, a collaborative effort between the city, team owners, and the government, will provide a modern 18,400-seat arena for games and various events, further enhancing the Flames’ appeal to both players and fans alike.
