2026-27 Calgary Flames Season Preview

The Calgary Flames enter the 2026–27 season in a transitional phase, having traded away several veteran pieces during the 2025–26 campaign and the offseason to accumulate draft capital and younger assets. The roster is now built around a youthful core, with a focus on development as they prepare to move into their new arena in 2027–28.

Key Additions

Simon Nemec (D) – Acquired from New Jersey on June 23 along with forward Maxim Tsyplakov in exchange for conditional 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, a 2026 second-round pick, and defenseman Etienne Morin. The 22-year-old right-shot defenseman signed a five-year, $36.25 million deal ($7.25 million AAV) and is expected to slot into the top four, bringing puck-moving ability and two-way play.

Maxim Tsyplakov (LW) – Part of the Nemec trade, the 27-year-old left-wing adds middle-six depth and scoring punch. He’s projected to play a top-nine role, bringing size and offensive upside.

Jake Middleton (D) – Traded from Minnesota on July 2 along with a 2027 third-round pick, a 2028 fourth, and a 2029 second in exchange for Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta. The 30-year-old left-shot defenseman provides physicality and stability on the third pairing, with potential to play top-four minutes if needed.

Draft picks – The Flames added eight selections in the first three rounds of the 2026 draft, including the sixth overall pick, a first from Vegas, four seconds, and two thirds, further bolstering their prospect pool.

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Key Subtractions

Blake Coleman (RW) – Traded to Minnesota on July 2 as part of the Middleton deal. The 34-year-old scored 20 goals and 35 points in 69 games last season, a significant loss of veteran scoring and physicality.

Olli Maatta (D) – Also dealt to Minnesota in the Middleton trade. The 31-year-old left-shot defenseman had 14 points in 21 games last season after being acquired from Utah, but was deemed expendable.

Nazem Kadri (C) – Traded during the 2025–26 season, removing a veteran center presence.

Rasmus Andersson (D) – Dealt during the 2025–26 campaign, thinning right-shot depth on defense.

MacKenzie Weegar (D) – Also traded at the deadline, further reducing veteran defensive depth.

Ryan Lomberg (LW) – Signed a two-year deal with Columbus on July 1st, leaving a depth forward role.

Victor Olofsson (RW), John Beecher (C), Jake Bean (D) – All left via free agency or were not tendered qualifying offers, thinning forward and defensive depth.

Core Retained

Calgary kept its young core intact, with Jonathan Huberdeau, Yegor Sharangovich, Matt Coronato, Joel Farabee, Connor Zary, and Martin Pospisil all under contract. Dustin Wolf is the clear No. 1 goalie, with Devin Cooley as backup.

Impact on 2026–27

The Flames’ offseason moves signal a clear commitment to youth and development. Nemec adds a high-upside, cost-controlled defenseman to the top four, while Middleton provides veteran stability. The departures of Coleman and Maatta remove scoring and experience, but the focus is on building for the future. Expect Calgary to remain in the playoff hunt, with a younger, faster lineup pushing for growth.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $89,116,666
Roster – 23/23
Projected cap space – $14,883,334
Deadline cap space – $68,746,828

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Depth Chart