Some observers might have considered it a successful outcome last season if the Calgary Flames had finished at the bottom of the Pacific Division, securing a top-five draft pick. With several veteran players having departed in recent years, the organization is now focused on nurturing its next generation of talent, with the hope of becoming a playoff contender by the time their new arena opens for the 2027-28 season. For certain fans, landing a promising top prospect in the 2025 draft would certainly have been a satisfactory result.
However, the Flames defied expectations, narrowly missing a playoff spot due to a tiebreaker, and impressively, their total point count even surpassed that of two playoff teams in the Eastern Conference. General Manager Craig Conroy has opted against a scorched-earth rebuild strategy, a path taken by teams like the Chicago Blackhawks. Such an approach carries the risk of a protracted rebuilding phase and can force young players into a consistently losing environment, making it challenging to develop winning habits.
Conroy remains committed to the current roster for the upcoming season, although he acknowledges that the Flames` optimal performance is likely still several years away. This year presents a significant challenge: the seemingly unavoidable trade of defenseman Rasmus Andersson before his contract expires next summer. While Andersson`s departure will undoubtedly weaken the team, the assets acquired in return are expected to inject renewed hope and promise into the organization`s future plans.
Despite their potential to compete and once again exceed predictions, a playoff berth still appears to be a distant prospect. While this assessment might be proven wrong by April, rival teams such as Vancouver, Utah, and even Anaheim, all of whom finished behind the Flames last season, have compelling reasons to believe they will improve significantly this season.
Newcomer to Watch: Joel Farabee
While Joel Farabee was acquired mid-season during the 2024-25 campaign, and the Flames made no other noteworthy NHL player additions over the summer, he stands out as a critical player to monitor. Calgary`s management is banking on Farabee rediscovering his form as a 20-goal, 50-point player. Last season, split between Calgary and Philadelphia, he managed only 11 goals—his lowest output since his rookie year, which spanned 52 games. His precise role within the team`s forward lines remains somewhat ambiguous. At 25 years old and with three seasons remaining on his $5 million cap hit, Farabee has ample opportunity to become a highly productive member of the team as it continues its development. However, a significant rebound in his statistical performance is crucial, making this a pivotal season for both him and the Flames.
Under-the-Radar Player to Watch: Rory Kerins
Although Justin Kirkland garnered more attention last season for his feel-good call-up story, Rory Kerins` contributions in a limited sample size were equally impressive. An injury to another player paved the way for his call-up, and Kerins made the most of it, registering four points in four NHL games. He was subsequently sent back down to participate in the AHL All-Star Game and did not return to the NHL. His path back to the top league remains unclear; with recent additions Morgan Frost and Farabee occupying third-line positions, Kerins would likely require an injury to create an opening or would need to displace Ryan Lomberg on the fourth line, where Lomberg provides an energetic fit. Nevertheless, Kerins was nearly a point-per-game player for the AHL Wranglers and has certainly earned another opportunity in the NHL. He is expected to receive a call-up at some point, and if he continues to make a strong impression, it will become increasingly difficult for the team to overlook him.
Top Prospect: Zayne Parekh
Zayne Parekh, the ninth overall selection in the 2024 draft, will be one of the most intriguing players to observe when the Calgary Flames` training camp commences. No other major junior defenseman scored more points than Parekh`s remarkable 107 last year, and he even netted a goal in the solitary NHL game he played at the close of the season. Parekh is an offensively gifted player who will be given every opportunity to earn a spot on the main roster out of training camp and to remain with the team beyond the initial nine games. At that juncture, Calgary will decide whether to retain him in the NHL or return him to a junior league he has already demonstrated dominance in. This situation bodes well for Parekh`s prospects of becoming a full-time NHL player this season. Following in the footsteps of Dustin Wolf, who was a Calder Trophy finalist last year, Parekh is also expected to be a strong contender for the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year award.