The Calgary Flames face a week filled with crucial matchups and significant storylines, both on and off the ice. From December 28th to January 3rd, the team's schedule features a homestand, while the World Junior Championship showcases Flames prospects, and trade rumors continue to swirl around key players.
On-Ice Action: Home Games at the Saddledome
The Flames will play three home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome. They will face the Boston Bruins on December 29th at 7:00 PM MT, followed by a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 31st at 7:30 PM MT. The homestand concludes on January 3rd with a matchup against the Nashville Predators at 5:00 PM MT. These games are crucial for the Flames, who are looking to improve their position in the Pacific Division.
World Junior Representation: Prospects Shine on the International Stage
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is underway in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Top Flames prospects Zayne Parekh and Cole Reschny are representing Team Canada in the tournament. Parekh, a 2024 first-round pick, is playing on the top defensive pairing and has already scored twice against Czechia. Reschny, selected in the first round of the 2025 draft, has been utilized in a top-six forward role and scored against Latvia. On December 28th, Canada defeated Latvia in overtime, with Reschny contributing a goal. Their performance and development are a positive sign for the Flames' future. The tournament runs from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, and features the top under-20 men's players from around the world.
Trade Rumors: Andersson and Coleman Generating Interest
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Flames are in a "seller" position, with rumors circulating around several veteran players. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson is in the final year of his contract, and extension talks have reportedly stalled, making him a prime trade candidate. Several teams have expressed interest in Andersson, including the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Stars. Forward Blake Coleman is also attracting significant attention from contending teams seeking playoff experience. Recent reports indicate that as many as 20 teams have inquired about Coleman. Other players who could be on the move include Nazem Kadri and Oliver Kylington. General Manager Craig Conroy is expected to be actively working the phones as the trade deadline nears.
