Calgary Flames: Bold predictions for the 2026–27 season

With the new NHL season just a little ways away, now is the perfect time to look at some bold predictions. The Calgary Flames made significant changes at last year’s Trade Deadline and even more moves in the offseason. Most of the older guys have been shipped off to new teams while the young players take the reins in Calgary. With a team full of young talent in the upcoming season, some bold predictions could be made before games get underway. Let’s look at some potential bold predictions on the forward, defence, and goaltending aspects of this team.

Zayne Parekh scores 20 goals

The main bold prediction I think is worth making is that Zayne Parekh will score 20 goals next season. He definitely has the skill, shot mentality, and accuracy to do so. He just needs the right opportunity. Last season, there were multiple times when Ryan Huska left Parekh out of the lineup. As much as I understand that he is young and is adjusting to the NHL, the only way he is going to improve is by playing consistently. That will be the most significant factor for him to achieve this feat.

Last season, Parekh only appeared in 37 games for the Flames. In that span, he scored four goals and nine points. He was not always given free rein to show what he can do, as he often played bottom-four minutes with limited power play time. When he was on the power play, many scoring opportunities were created. I think if Parekh can get comfortable with a top power play spot and top-four minutes, he could definitely hit the 20-goal mark. Parekh dominated the 2026 World Junior tournament and showed his goal-scoring abilities. Now, he just needs to transfer that to the NHL level.

Dustin Wolf is a Vezina Trophy finalist

Another bold take going into next season would be Dustin Wolf finishing the season as a Vezina Trophy finalist. The young goaltender has been impressive during his time in the NHL. Even after a down season, I still have plenty of confidence in Wolf’s abilities. In the 2025–26 season, Wolf posted a .899 SV% alongside a 2.99 GAA. This was good enough to get him 23 wins in 57 games on an awful Flames team.

I think going into next year, it would be a long shot for Wolf to be a Vezina finalist. With the forward core playing in front of him, he is bound to get no goal support. However, the Flames defensive core is sneakily good. I think if the Flames can play low-scoring games (even if they result in a loss), Wolf can post solid individual numbers. It will take a lot for this to happen, but it would be a bright spot in a likely tough season.

Simon Nemec becomes the Flames’ most valued skater

One of the newest Flames defencemen is 22-year-old Simon Nemec. The New Jersey Devils drafted him second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and he now has a new opportunity in Calgary. Nemec was not really utilized properly in New Jersey. He was not given the ice time required to grow and was overshadowed by some already proven NHL stars. Craig Conroy gave up a decent price to get him, so hopefully the trade works out.

Nemec will have all the ice time in the world next season. He has arguably become the most important defenceman on the team (considering he is further along than Parekh), who will get top-line minutes and power play time. It will be interesting to see how he is used under Ryan Huska, as Flames fans have already seen how he has handled Parekh. I believe if Nemec has a true breakout season, he could become the Flames’ best all-around skater. His importance to the team moving forward is significant.

Matt Coronato scores 30 goals

One could say that this feat was a prediction last season, but that clearly did not happen. I think Matt Coronato easily has 30-goal potential. His quick wrist shot is lethal off the rush, and it can certainly be utilized better on the power play. Last season, Coronato scored 18 goals in 80 games. This was fairly disappointing, as many believed that he could hit at least 25 based on his 24 from the season before. Going into next season, I think Coronato is the most likely forward to break out.

Coronato’s most likely spot in the lineup will be first-line right wing. Assuming that Morgan Frost and Matvei Gridin are the ones on his side, this will easily be the Flames’ best offensive line. The trio played together a bit last season and had some serious chemistry. Each player complements the other well, as Frost brings the speed, Gridin drives the offence, and Coronato is the finisher. With this line in place, I say Coronato can definitely hit the 30-goal mark.

Matvei Gridin leads the team in scoring

The last bold prediction for the 2026–27 Flames, honestly, is not too bold. I am very confident that Matvei Gridin will lead the Flames in points next season. With Kadri getting traded last year, I say the door is wide open for Gridin. His biggest competitors for the Flames lead will be his linemates of Frost and Coronato. These three will most likely lead the Flames in points next year (until Frost gets traded).

Through 37 games last season, Gridin recorded 20 points. This was solid for a rookie on a bad team. However, his potential to score is much greater than that. The skill Gridin has shown so far has been impressive. When he was originally drafted, many questioned the pick by Conroy. After watching his development to this point, many believe that Gridin could be the playmaker of the future for the Flames.