The Calgary Flames are heading into the 2025-26 season with heightened expectations after a surprisingly competitive 2024-25 campaign that saw them accumulate 96 points. Despite missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year, the Flames tied the St. Louis Blues for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, ultimately losing the tiebreaker due to fewer regulation wins. This near miss has shifted the focus from simply competing to actively contending for a playoff berth.
Several factors contribute to the raised expectations. Dustin Wolf's emergence as a franchise goaltender has solidified the team's defense. In his first full NHL season, Wolf posted a .910 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average, earning him second place in Calder Trophy voting and consideration for the Hart and Vezina Trophies. His stellar play addressed a significant question mark the team had entering the previous season. The Flames showed resilience and toughness, making them a difficult opponent. Under head coach Ryan Huska, the team demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to playing a physically demanding style of hockey.
The Flames' young core is also a source of optimism. The expected arrival of Zayne Parekh, a highly touted defensive prospect, is generating considerable excitement. Parekh's offensive prowess in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he registered 33 goals and 107 points in 61 games, suggests he could make an immediate impact on the Flames' blueline. The team believes he is a special player. Other young players, like Matt Coronato, have also shown promise.
Jonathan Huberdeau's improved performance provides another reason for optimism. After a slow start to his Flames career, Huberdeau bounced back in 2024-25, scoring 28 goals and 62 points. Nazem Kadri also contributed with a NHL career-high 35 goals.
However, the Flames face challenges. One concern is the team's scoring depth. Outside of Kadri, Huberdeau and Coronato, goals were hard to come by. The team needs more offensive production throughout the lineup to improve their chances of making the playoffs. Calgary struggled on the power play and penalty kill, which presented an issue too big to overcome.
The team's start to the 2025-26 season will be crucial, as they face a difficult opening schedule against top contenders. Games against the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, and Winnipeg Jets will test the Flames' readiness to compete.
Some analysts are skeptical about the Flames' chances. One projection has them finishing 24th in the league with just 80 points, citing their negative goal differential and reliance on one-goal game success in the previous season. The future of Rasmus Andersson, a key defenseman entering the final year of his contract, remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges and doubts, the Calgary Flames are entering the 2025-26 season with a renewed sense of optimism. The emergence of Dustin Wolf, the growth of their young core, and the potential addition of Zayne Parekh have fueled expectations of a playoff berth.
