Up in Flames or Lighting it Up: Predictions for the Upcoming Calgary Flames Season

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After a difficult time in the 2023-24 season, the Calgary Flames are gearing up for what some are calling a potentially strenuous season. Finishing 24th in the league standings with 81 points, the Flames have a lot to work on. That being said, after much turnover in staff and player personnel before that season, it was much expected. 

With the start of the new season rearing, there is still much to look forward to. Coach Ryan Huska is entering his second season as an NHL coach, with some new additions to his original roster. After immense departures in the season, such as Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, and Jacob Markström among others, there are lots of little holes to be filled in. Newest additions include Jake Bean, Anthony Mantha, Kevin Bahl, Logan Cooley, and Ryan Lomberg could assist in bridging those gaps left by those who left.

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There are also a lot of fresh and young players in this Flames squad as well as in the organization. Connor Zary, Matthew Coronato, Martin Pospisil, and Dustin Wolf, all of whom have some NHL experience under their belt will surely be exciting players to watch throughout the season. While the expectation is for Wolf to fill in the Markström role and make a tandem with Dan Vladar, there is not a ton of NHL experience between the two of them. Wolf has only played 18 games in the league and Vladar has only played 75 games. Having a new, young goaltender is exciting and Wolf is already very loved in Calgary.

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With all that being said, it is time for some predictions. 

I think the Flames will not have as bad of a season as some may think. While you can not look past the major subtracts from last season, there has been a good amount added to their arsenal. A young team is never expected to go on an insane run and be a cup contending team. A good blend of both experienced veterans and young guns make up the Flames roster this year which could make for an interesting season. Leadership is a big thing and the Flames have leaders in abundance in the dressing room to take the reins. 

I think the Flames will finish around that 17-21 place range in the league, potentially just missing out on a wild card spot. The young guys could play very well and I think Coronato could play a lot more games this season. MacKenzie Weegar, who had a career year last season, could continue that moment into this one. He had 20 goals and 32 assists and became the first NHL player in history to score 20 goals and block 200 shots. Blake Coleman who scored 30 goals, is looking to continue to be that effective and after re-signing Yegor Sharangovich, the two of them will be pillars in the forwards line and help the young players. Wolf and Vladar could make a really good pairing and being backed by the C of Red will help Wolf's confidence playing in a full NHL season. 

No doubt there will be some struggles this season but I think the Flames will surprise people. It is definitely an interesting time to be a Flames fan. Interesting, but exciting time.

Edited by Giana Robertaccio