Breaking down potential breakout candidates on the Calgary Flames

As the Calgary Flames continue to give younger players a chance on their roster, it creates more possibilities for breakout opportunities. In recent years, we have seen multiple players establish themselves as NHL regulars with their respective teams. This is a big year for several players, who are looking to take a major step forward this year. Here are players who could take that step this season:

Connor Zary

You could say that Zary broke out two seasons ago, when he first made the jump to the NHL, but his production has always been lower than expected when he was drafted. Last season, he suffered two separate injuries to his legs as he struggled to build on his impressive rookie season. This comes after he broke his leg in his first AHL season. Management and fans have been impressed by him; however, there is more to be seen.

While he has shown potential to be a star on this Flames roster, he has never had a true breakout year. He has never even played a full season in the NHL. He dipped from 34 points in 63 games to 27 points in 54 games. Next season is the year to watch out for the soon-to-be 24-year-old from Saskatoon.

Adam Klapka

In the homestretch of last season, Adam Klapka emerged as a bit of a clutch performer, showing up in crucial moments to help Calgary stay in the playoff hunt. The 24-year-old Klapka – who turns 25 on the 14th – brings both size and physicality to the Flames lineup. In his final three games of the season, Klapka scored four points, with two goals. He did all of that while being down on the fourth line in a non-scoring role.

His 31 games last year were merely a stepping stone to a larger role this season. The 6’8″, 235lb winger is primed and ready to break out as a solidified regular. The only problem is the log jam on the wing for the Flames. If Calgary decides to go the route of keeping its veteran players instead of its young up-and-comers, Klapka could very well start the season with the Calgary Wranglers.

Zayne Parekh

Lastly, we have Zayne Parekh, one of the most highly-touted prospects in the entire NHL. Drafted ninth overall back in the 2024 NHL Draft, Parekh has since been breaking records in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit. The first OHL defenceman since Bobby Orr to score 30 goals in back-to-back seasons. Parekh finished the year with 107 points. All year, Flames fans have been raving about the 19-year-old kid and now it’s time to see if he’s NHL-ready.

With the constant talk and rumours about Rasmus Andersson potentially being traded, Parekh has a real shot at cracking the opening night roster. There is some discussion about whether or not Parekh is indeed NHL-ready; however, the fact that he currently cannot play in the AHL and would be sent back to Saginaw creates reason for the Flames to keep him in the NHL. It is a complicated issue; in the new CBA Agreement, teams can assign one 19-year-old CHL player to play in the AHL. There is also talk about it being trialled this season.

Getting excited about the 2025-26 NHL season

These three players are ready to prove their worth in the best league in the world. They have shown that they are capable and will be looking to keep that going for 82 games. Alongside them are more up-and-coming players who will look to make the roster and break out. These three are the most likely to turn themselves into household names across the league.