The Calgary Flames are navigating a crucial offseason, balancing the excitement of young talent with the strategic decisions needed to build a consistent contender. Several key players and organizational moves are dominating headlines, shaping the team's trajectory.
Dustin Wolf: The Future in Net
Dustin Wolf's emergence as a top-tier goaltending prospect has significantly accelerated the Flames' rebuild. After a stellar rookie season in 2024-25, where he posted a 29-16-8 record with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage, Wolf earned a Calder Trophy nomination and landed on the NHL's All-Rookie Team. His stellar play kept the Flames in playoff contention until the very end of the season. Given his performance, the Flames are keen to extend Wolf's contract. As a Calder Trophy finalist, Wolf is eligible for a contract extension, and the Flames would like to keep him and Dan Vladar. With a sparkling resume that includes multiple top goaltender awards in the WHL and AHL, the Flames are expected to try and sign Wolf to a long-term deal.
Rasmus Andersson: Trade Winds Blowing?
Rasmus Andersson's future with the Flames is a major topic of discussion. Entering the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $4.55 million, Andersson is due for a significant raise. Several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators, are reportedly interested in acquiring the right-shot defenseman. While Andersson has a six-team no-trade list, the Flames may explore a trade if they can't agree on a contract extension, and GM Craig Conroy would want to avoid trading him mid-season, as he did in 2023-24 with Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm. Some analysts believe the Flames might be better off waiting until the trade deadline to maximize his value as a rental player. Despite a down year, Andersson remains a sought-after commodity due to his all-situations capabilities and offensive upside. Six destinations to watch for include Carolina Hurricanes.
Martin Pospisil: Olympian and Energy Player
Martin Pospisil has been named to Slovakia's preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 25-year-old forward has represented Slovakia several times, including at the 2017 Under-18 World Championship, the 2019 World Junior Championship, and the 2024 Olympic Qualifying tournament. Known for his size, skill, and physicality, Pospisil has become a valuable asset to the Flames. In the 2024-25 season, he played in 81 games, recording four goals, 25 points, 84 penalty minutes, and 301 hits.
Organizational Moves and Draft Strategy
The Flames have promoted Peter Hanlon, the long-time Vice-President of Communications, to Assistant General Manager. This move signals a shift in Hanlon's responsibilities to the hockey operations side. As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, the Flames have multiple first-round picks and are evaluating potential centers. Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild has also been mentioned as a possible trade target. Additionally, the Flames signed forward Adam Klapka to a two-year contract extension, securing his presence through the 2026-2027 season with an average annual value of $1.25 million.
Overall Outlook
The Calgary Flames are in a transitional phase, blending youth with experience as they aim to return to playoff contention. The development of Dustin Wolf is a major positive, while decisions regarding Rasmus Andersson will significantly impact the team's future. Martin Pospisil's energy and international recognition add another layer to the Flames' evolving identity.