Building a Calgary Flames all-time 2020s lineup, so far

Even though it’s only halfway done, the 2020s have already been one of the most eventful decades in Calgary Flames history. From the highest peaks to the lowest of lows, the franchise has been on a rollercoaster of emotions in the past five years. Here’s how an all-time 2020 lineup stacks up, so far.

Forwards

Johnny Gaudreau–Elias Lindholm–Matthew Tkachuk

There’s a real argument that the above trio was the NHL’s best even-strength line of the entire 21st century. It starts with Johnny Gaudreau. His 115 points in 2021–22 is the second-best single season in franchise history. Overall, his 191 points in Calgary in the 2020s ranks fourth among Flames, despite playing just 166 games in Calgary. His 1.15 points per game, meanwhile, leads all Flames this decade and very likely still will by the end of the decade

The third wheel of the top line, Elias Lindholm, was tremendous in 2021–22. Overall, his 248 points and 105 goals this decade are both the most among Flames forwards so far, despite leaving the team in February 2024. His 0.84 points per game rate this decade is currently third behind only his two linemates.

The final member of the trio, Matthew Tkachuk, is the Flames’ only other point-per-game forward this decade so far, behind just Gaudreau. His 104 points in 2021–22 also ranks as the second-best season by a Flame in the 2020s behind Gaudreau, of course. Overall, he ranks fifth among Flames forwards in points this decade despite playing in only 166 games.

Johnathan Huberdeau–Nazem Kadri–Andrew Mangiapane

Johnathan Huberdeau’s Flames tenure has been, in a word, disappointing. With that said, he’s still one of the team’s top contributors of the 2020s so far. His 169 points and 0.7 points per game both rank sixth among Flames forwards this decade. Given his current contract, there’s a good chance he’s one of, if not the highest scoring Flame of the 2020s when it’s all said and done.

Nazem Kadri is making a claim for the Flames’ best centre of the 2020s. His 198 points already rank third among Flames forwards this decade, while his 0.8 points per game ranks fifth. His 75 points in 2023–24 is the Flames’ best single season this decade outside of 2021–22. With at least 50 points in 2025–26, Kadri will become the decade’s highest-scoring Flame.

Rounding out the second line is Andrew Mangiapane. While his breakout 35-goal, 2021–22 season was an outlier, he was still one of the team’s most dependable wingers of the 2020s before getting dealt in 2024. The Bread Man registered 93 goals in Calgary this decade, which is still the most by any Flame other than Lindholm.

Blake Coleman–Mikael Backlund–Tyler Toffoli

Blake Coleman signed with the Flames in 2021 and, since then, has become a staple in the lineup. His 323 games played in Calgary this decade rank second behind only Mikael Backlund. While he’s never been a big producer, he’s as dependable as they come and was a big part of the Flames’ 2021–22 season.

At centre is, of course, Backlund. No Flame has played more games in Calgary this decade than Backlund’s 404. His 226 points also rank second behind only Lindholm. While his prime has passed him by this decade, Backlund is still a big part of the Flames’ identity, and he’s been their captain since 2023.

At right wing, I have Tyler Toffoli. Acquired at the deadline during the 2021–22 season, Toffoli’s time in Calgary was short but impactful. Everyone remembers where they were when Toffoli debuted for the Flames in 2021–22. He followed that up by leading the Flames in scoring in 2022–23 with 73 points. It’s a shame he couldn’t stick around longer.

Connor Zary–Yegor Sharangovich–Matthew Coronato

The easiest pick of the remaining options was Matthew Coronato. The Flames’ first-round pick in 2021, Coronato, broke out last season with 24 goals and 47 points. After signing a six-year extension and looking well on his way to stardom, there’s a good chance Coronato is considered one of the Flames’ best players of the 2020s once the decade is over.

While he’s only been around for two years, Yegor Sharangovich is already one of the more impactful Flames forwards of the 2020s, as crazy as that might sound. His 91 points are the 11th most among forwards this decade, while his 48 goals are the 10th most. Here’s hoping he bounces back next season.

Lastly, Connor Zary rounds out the fourth line. He’s only played in 117 games and posted 61 points this decade, but he’s easily one of the more dynamic Flames the team has had in the 2020s. Like Coronato, there’s a good chance he’s a lock on this roster by 2030.

Defencemen

MacKenzie Weegar–Rasmus Andersson

While he’s only been here since 2022, it’s fair to say MacKenzie Weegar is the Flames’ best defender of the decade so far. With 130 points in 244 games played, he’s already the third-highest scoring defender of the decade, just 18 points out of second. Given he has six years remaining on his current contract, there’s a good chance he leads the Flames in most major defensive categories when the decade is done.

The Flames’ longest tenured defender of the decade, Rasmus Andersson’s 404 games played in Calgary are 104 more than the next defender. He also leads all defenders in points with 201. Where he places on this team by the end of the decade is up for debate, given his current situation, but for now, he’s an easy choice on the top pairing.

Noah Hanifin–Chris Tanev

Noah Hanifin has played more games in Calgary this decade than any defender not named Andersson, logging 298. He also ranks second for points with 148. He was never a star player, but Hanifin was a staple in the Flames’ top four until he was dealt in 2024. After the coming season, Weegar will have overtaken him in both categories, though.

There’s a reasonable argument that Chris Tanev was the Flames’ best defenceman at his peak. A pure shutdown defender, Tanev was the heart and soul of the Flames’ defence while he was here. Overall, his 259 games played in Calgary rank third behind only Andersson and Hanifin.

Nikita Zadorov–Oliver Kylington

Nikita Zadorov didn’t have high expectations when he came to Calgary in 2021, but he developed into a solid defender in Calgary and a fan favourite for a time. His 177 games played in Calgary and 49 points both rank as the fifth most this decade.

It’s unfortunate we never saw more of 2021–22 Oliver Kylington. The defender looked well on his way to a long-time home in the Flames’ top-four before taking an extended leave of absence in 2022. Still, his 132 games played and 43 points rank as the sixth most among Flames defenders this decade, and we’ll always remember just how good he looked that season.

Goaltenders

Jacob Markstrom–Dustin Wolf

After signing with the team in 2020, Jacob Markstrom dominated time in the Flames’ crease until he was eventually dealt in the summer of 2024. Overall, his 105 wins this decade are 58 more than the next-best goaltender, and his 212 games played are 122 more. He also finished as the runner-up for the Vezina trophy in 2022.

While he’s only been the starter for one season, Dustin Wolf is already the Flames’ second-best goaltender of the decade. He ranks third for games played and wins this decade, and it’s only a matter of time before he passes Markstrom in both categories.