When will the Calgary Flames make the playoffs next?

Going into the 2026–27 season, the Flames’ chances of making the playoffs are not great.

This will be the Flames’ most depleted opening night roster in nearly a decade, barring any big free agency signings.

This isn’t a bad thing. The commitment to finally rebuilding has been the right call for a franchise constantly stuck in the middle.

Theoretically, Dustin Wolf, who nearly dragged the Flames into the playoffs back in 24–25, could do it again. Although this time would be with a much younger, hungrier team.

Matvei Gridin, Zayne Parekh, and Matt Coronato being given top-line minutes for a full 82 games could lead to an unexpected playoff berth if the stars aligned.

The Pacific Division has been arguably the NHL’s weakest division for the last few seasons. While it would be shocking, it wouldn’t be entirely unbelievable for the Flames to squeak in.

It would be a poetic send-off to make the playoffs one last time on Saddledome ice, but it’s most likely not in the cards for 2026–27.

Estimated Playoff Chances: 15%

2027–28

2027–28 is shaping up to be a big season for the Calgary Flames.

It will be the first season hosted in the newly built Scotia Place.

The goal for the Flames is to have a fresh, young team heading into the new building, starting a new era of Flames hockey.

By 2027–28, we hope to see at least one of Ethan Wyttenbach, Cole Reschny or Andrew Basha make the opening night roster.

The development of Matt Coronato, Zayne Parekh, Connor Zary and Matvei Gridin will ultimately decide whether Calgary will have enough gas to make the playoffs.

It’s the hope of most Flames fans that by this point, management will have hired a new head coach.

With a younger and faster team on their hands, Ryan Huska’s conservative dump-and-chase hockey isn’t gonna cut it for years to come.

Depending on whether the Flames can bring in a stronger head coach or potentially add some young talent via trade, the playoffs could be on the radar.

Estimated Playoff Chances: 30%

2028–29

Heading into the 2028–29 season, expect the Flames to really be pushing for a playoff berth.

If things go to plan, and Calgary’s plethora of young prospects develop nicely, being a competitive team is certainly on the radar.

By 2028–29, Dustin Wolf will be entering his prime, and that alone could easily carry this current Flames team to the playoffs, let alone what Conroy has built by 2028.

Parekh, Gridin and Coronato will all have a solid chunk of NHL playing time under their belts.

Current playoff-contending teams such as the Oilers, Kings and Kraken will largely be aged out by 2028–29. Calgary has the chance to slot in nicely.

If things go as planned, a young Flames team with new faces and new coaching could easily make the postseason in 28–29.

Estimated Playoff Chances: 55%

3+ Years Or Longer

Although unlikely, we’ve seen this happen before.

The Buffalo Sabres missed the playoffs for 14 seasons, going through numerous “re-toolings” in the process.

It can happen.

Luckily, Flames fans have been blessed with a talent like Craig Conroy as a General Manager.

The chances of the Flames missing the playoffs for what, at that point, would be 10 seasons is unlikely.

Flames management plans to build a contender around Dustin Wolf.

Whether that’s by trade, free agency or developing the prospects already in the system, confidence is high that the playoffs are in the not-so-distant future.

All Flames management can do for now is trust the process and not try to rush through a much-needed rebuild.