An early look at expiring contracts on the Flames in 2026

The 2025-26 NHL season hasn’t started yet, but it’s always fun to look ahead. The Calgary Flames managed to lock up all their RFAs (except for Connor Zary) this offseason, but besides that, the team hasn’t been busy. In today’s article, let’s take a look at notable Flames players whose contracts are set to expire in 2026.

Rasmus Andersson

The biggest pending UFA the Flames currently have, and the player who has taken over every summer headline surrounding this team. Rasmus Andersson is unlikely to remain in Calgary beyond next year’s trade deadline, but his status as a pending free agent has complicated any potential trade.

Andersson essentially has the power to dictate where he accepts a trade. While he only has a six-team no-trade list, teams are not going to give up premium assets for a player who may not extend with them. Unless a team gets desperate for a right-shot defenceman, an Andersson trade is likely to lead to an underwhelming return for the Flames. However, it’s a win for the Flames not to sign Andersson to a long-term deal, as it doesn’t make sense for the team at this stage.

Dustin Wolf

The Flames’ number one netminder and the reason why the team experienced unexpected success last season. Dustin Wolf is in for a big pay raise, but it seems like the Flames aren’t in a rush to extend him yet.

The team will likely see how he performs in his sophomore season. I could see an extension happen with Wolf likely in the middle of the season or earlier if he’s just as dominant. As for the contract, locking up Wolf long-term is a no-brainer. He’s the future in net for Calgary, and you can’t repeat the same mistakes of giving your franchise cornerstone players bridge deals. We’ll see where things go.

Mikael Backlund

Mikael Backlund is in the last year of a two-year deal paying him $4.5 million per season. With Backlund being 36, he showed signs of regression last season, and his time in the league will be coming to an end relatively soon. With that being said, Backlund has indicated that he plans on continuing to play after his deal expires, as he wants to remain a Flame for life and wants to be present when Scotia Place opens.

If Backlund takes a cheap deal and embraces a smaller role, then I’m okay with it. Backlund would be a great fourth-line center, but many wonder if winning a Cup would be more intriguing. For me, the choice is obvious.

It wouldn’t be crazy to think that Backlund could be a trade candidate near the deadline, especially if the Flames are so far out of the running. However, I think he extends in Calgary, as being a lifetime Flame means a lot to him and his family.

Ryan Lomberg

Ryan Lomberg is a fan favourite in Calgary. When the team decided to bring him back on a two-year deal, the move was hardly criticized. While his stats won’t jump out at you, Lomberg provides valuable veteran leadership and is a great guy to have in the locker room. I don’t see a reason why the Flames wouldn’t extend him for a year or two more.

Depth defence players

Jake Bean and Daniil Miromanov are also set to become UFAs in 2026. I don’t see either player coming back, as frankly, they both didn’t have the best tenures in Calgary so far. Both players likely won’t be regulars on the Flames’ blueline, as they’ll be seeing the press box more often this season. I would be surprised if the Flames decided to extend either of these players.

Additional depth players

The following players will also have expiring contracts in 2026. You can probably assume RFAs such as Kerins, Mortan and Stromgren are extended. As for the others, it’s a toss-up.

Devin Cooley: UFA

Justin Kirkland: UFA

William Stromgren: RFA

Carter King: RFA

Parker Bell: RFA

Lucas Ciona: RFA

Clark Bishop: UFA

Rory Kerins: RFA

Sam Morton: RFA