The Calgary Flames officially kick off their 2025-26 season on Wednesday with an opening-night Battle of Alberta.
Last year, they surprised everyone by staying in playoff contention right until the finish line.
What does this year hold? Wes Gilbertson and Danny Austin are tasked with covering the Flames on a daily basis. Here are their best guesses:
How many games will Dustin Wolf start?
GILBERTSON: There were only five NHL netminders to log 60-plus starts in 2024-25, and the schedule is even more condensed this winter. So this is a big ask, but I expect Wolf to be in that neighbourhood.
AUSTIN: Similar to what Wes said, I think for the Flames to have any chance to make the playoffs this year Wolf has to play 60-65 games this year. If he doesn’t start over 60 games I think it will be a long season for Calgary.
What’s the biggest area of concern?
GILBERTSON: With the way the backup candidates performed during pre-season, the biggest worry has gotta be the goaltending on the 20-ish nights that Wolf isn’t between the pipes.
AUSTIN: Same as last year: Scoring. The Flames netted the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL last year, with 220, and it’s going to require a big step-up from guys in their early-to-mid 20s to change that.
Flames goalie Devin Cooley stops Canucks forward Linus Karlsson on Wednesday.
Who will be the Flames’ leading scorer?
GILBERTSON: I will be surprised if it’s anybody other than Nazem Kadri, but it would be a significant development if Matt Coronato or Morgan Frost can give him a run for it.
AUSTIN: I can’t come up with a single compelling reason to disagree with Wes here. It’s gotta be Kadri.
Which call-up candidate are you most excited to see?
GILBERTSON: I am convinced that Rory Kerins can be a consistent contributor in a middle-six forward role, but how soon will one of those spots open up?
AUSTIN: I’m really hoping Hunter Brzustewicz pushes for playing time this year. The Flames have depth on defence, but this 20-year-old is part of the long-term plan and I want to see more of him.
Seattle Kraken centre Berkly Catton (27) moves the puck as Calgary Flames defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz (48) and centre Clark Bishop (61) defend during the first period of a pre-season NHL hockey game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Seattle.
The pressure is on …
GILBERTSON: At the top of the list for me is Yegor Sharangovich. There’s a lot of expectation — and not just offensive — that comes with a US$5.75-million cap hit.
AUSTIN: Connor Zary had brutal injury luck last year, but I believe he is capable of more than the 27 points he put up in 54 games. He can absolutely be an X-factor.
If the Flames make the playoffs, this is the reason why …
GILBERTSON: Two words … Dustin Wolf. They’ll need to score too, but this group will ultimately go as far as their face-of-the-franchise goaltender can carry them.
AUSTIN: A bunch of guys we’ve already named, including Zary, Coronato, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, all take a step.
Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf makes a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Seattle.
How will the Rasmus Andersson situation play out?
GILBERTSON: Flames general manager Craig Conroy has proven his patience, and Andersson has been the furthest thing from a distraction so far. Good thing, because I doubt this is settled until a week or two before the trade deadline.
AUSTIN: My only caveat to Wes’ answer is that a willing trade partner can change the conversation in a hurry. Remember in 2023, when the Vancouver Canucks got hot and made early moves for Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. Could happen again.
Which Flames player do you hope to be watching at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
GILBERTSON: With MacKenzie Weegar’s heart-on-his-sleeve style, he’d be on my Team Canada.
AUSTIN: I mean, the American crease is stacked, but if Dustin Wolf manages to book an invite, that can only mean he’s been lights-out for the Flames.
MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Who will log more appearances as a rookie — Zayne Parekh or Matvei Gridin?
GILBERTSON: Despite all the bluster about Parekh being a spectator on opening night, I still expect this puck-whiz defence prospect to play at least 60 games this season.
AUSTIN: I’m really high on Gridin and while it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he spends time with the Wranglers, his scoring ability may make him invaluable. I can easily see him sticking around for the whole year.
Which game is circled on your calendar?
GILBERTSON: Can I pick two? A Battle of Alberta doubleheader on either side of the holiday break — Dec. 23 in Edmonton and Dec. 27 in Calgary — is a perfect slice of scheduling.
AUSTIN: I always love the New Year’s game, but let’s go with Oct. 11 against the St. Louis Blues. They narrowly edged out the Flames for a playoff spot last year via a tiebreaker, so this has added juice for a game so early in the season.
Oilers forward Zach Hyman carries the puck against Flames defenceman Kevin Bahl during firstperiod at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 3, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.