Flames Look to Offense and Wolf’s Leadership for Playoff Push
The Calgary Flames are heading into the 2025–26 NHL season with a chip on their shoulder and plenty to prove. After finishing last year with a 41-27-14 record and barely missing the playoffs, expectations around the league remain modest. But inside their own locker room, the belief is strong that this group can take the next step.
One of the biggest storylines revolves around offense. Last season, scoring depth was a major challenge. Nazem Kadri led the way with a career-high 35 goals, while Jonathan Huberdeau bounced back with 28 and Matt Coronato delivered a breakout 24-goal campaign. Beyond that trio, however, goals were hard to come by. The Flames finished with only 220 goals, ranking among the lowest in the league. For Calgary to reach the playoffs, balanced production across the lineup will be essential.
Goaltending, though, is where the team’s hopes truly rest. Dustin Wolf has quickly become the face of Calgary’s future. After an outstanding rookie campaign, he was rewarded with a seven-year, $52.5 million extension—proof that management sees him as the backbone of this franchise. Wolf was a Calder Trophy finalist, consistently giving his team a chance to win even in tight games. With former backup Dan Vladar gone, Wolf is expected to carry most of the workload, though Ivan Prosvetov and Devin Cooley will battle to provide him with relief.
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The Flames are also looking to some new and young faces to spark change. Morgan Frost, acquired last season from Philadelphia, has the chance to shine in a bigger role as the projected third-line center. Meanwhile, rookie defenseman Zayne Parekh, drafted ninth overall in 2024, is expected to join the lineup full-time. Parekh’s offensive instincts could be a difference-maker from the blue line, adding a dynamic element Calgary has lacked.
Despite doubts from outside, veterans like MacKenzie Weegar and Blake Coleman embrace the underdog mentality. Both have spoken openly about how little external expectations fuel the group’s motivation. Inside the room, the message is clear: ignore the noise and believe in the roster. Head coach Ryan Huska has stressed the need to “turn the page” and avoid assuming last year’s near-playoff run guarantees anything. Other teams now know Calgary plays hard, which means the Flames won’t be catching anyone off guard this season.
General manager Craig Conroy has also shifted the team’s direction, locking up young players such as Wolf, Coronato, Connor Zary, and Kevin Bahl on long-term deals. The balance of youth and veteran leadership gives this roster a sense of stability that had been missing in recent years.
In many ways, Wolf’s extension symbolizes more than just a commitment to a goaltender—it marks the start of a new era in Calgary. The Flames are no longer just trying to stay competitive; they’re building around a clear core. If the offense can step up and the defense tighten in front of Wolf, the playoffs aren’t just a possibility—they’re an expectation inside the Saddledome.
This season, the Flames are betting on themselves. They’ve chosen their cornerstone, they’ve embraced the doubt, and now it’s about proving that this group is ready to chart a new course toward playoff success.
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