The Calgary Flames’ offseason is well underway, and there are many things that Flames fans are still paying attention to. Sure, the Flames aren’t in the playoffs and there aren’t any games, but there is still anticipation from fans regarding many areas of the team, and the league as a whole.
Whether it’s the draft, the rest of the playoffs, free agency, or the start of next season, fans are still paying attention to the league despite the Flames not fighting for the Stanley Cup this year. What are Flames fans most excited for? We asked, you answered.
Want to take part in Sunday Census polls? We send them out every week on our Twitter at @wincolumnCGY. Follow along or send in ideas for the next poll!
What are fans most excited for?
We presented the following question to our readers:
What are you most excited for?
— The Win Column (@wincolumnCGY) May 17, 2025
Playoffs
The playoffs are looking to have some competitive elite matchups for the conference finals. We have a Western Conference final rematch from last year with the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars. Dallas went all out this year in acquiring Mikko Rantanen, and they will be looking to get revenge on the Oilers after they were eliminated by Edmonton last year.
In the East, it will be Carolina against either the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Florida Panthers. All three teams are Stanley Cup contenders, and it will no doubt be a must-watch game seven today to see who will go up against the Hurricanes.
Despite all of this, not many Flames fans are that excited about the playoffs. The main reason is the fact that the Flames are not in it. Playoff hockey is always better when the team you cheer for is in it, and outside of hatewatching the Edmonton Oilers, Flames fans don’t have much to root for.
The draft
The Flames have two first-round picks in the upcoming NHL Draft. They will be picking 18th, and between 22–32nd depending on how Florida does in the playoffs. After a great 2024 NHL draft, fans are hoping Conroy can work his magic again and have another strong draft.
Drafts like this will speed up the Flames’ rebuild and get them back to a competitive and more sustainable level. Many Flames fans are hoping the team can get Ben Kindel in the draft, and a player like him would be a great addition to the team.
Free agency
There have been rumblings that the Flames want to go big fish hunting in free agency. They certainly have the cap space to do so. At the same time, it is looking more and more likely that Mitch Marner will hit UFA. Do the Flames find a way to get him to sign in Calgary? Whether fans think it is the right decision by the Flames or not, this would be a massive addition to the team and a massive contract, likely the largest in Flames history.
Next season
At the end of the day, the Flames are most exciting when they are playing hockey games. There is a lot to look out for for Flames fans. Does Wolf continue his incredible play from his rookie season? Do Zary and Coronato take another step? Do Farabee and Frost rebound from a down year? How will Parekh perform in his rookie year?
Additionally, are the Flames going to be fighting for a playoff spot again? Or will they be in the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes? There are a lot of unknowns about next season, and fans are likely itching to find out what the answers may be.
Good time to be a hockey fan
Even when the playoffs end, free agency and the draft are some of the most exciting parts of the NHL calendar. There is potential for blockbuster signings, trades, and hockey fans will get to see what young talent will be joining their franchise in the future. Only time will tell which free agents go to which teams, and who the Flames draft with their multiple first-round picks, but it’s safe to say that Flames fans will be putting their GM caps on and brainstorming until the time comes around.
Related