Who Will Fill Coleman’s Leadership Role for Flames?

Blake Coleman won’t be back on the ice for the Calgary Flames until after the Olympic break, and head coach Ryan Huska isn’t pretending. It’s a loss. Coleman’s presence isn’t just about the points or the hustle — he’s the kind of player who shapes the room, sets the tone, and models effort in every shift. Missing him leaves a hole.

With Coleman Out, Other Flames Will Have a Chance to Show.

But Huska isn’t looking at it as just a setback. He’s framing it as an opportunity — for other forwards, for emerging leaders, for anyone willing to step into that mix and grab hold. Coleman has always brought more than just goals or grit; he brings a mindset. Every shift, every battle along the boards, every little detail counts. Huska knows it, the players know it, and now someone else has to shoulder a bit of that responsibility.

“It’s a chance for someone else to try to grab a little bit of the leadership role he plays,” Huska said. It’s not about replacing Coleman. That would be impossible. Instead, it’s about encouraging others to raise their hands, take initiative, and bring the same energy and accountability. In a long season, moments like this define the next group of leaders. Who wants it? Who’s willing to make the team better just by showing up every shift with the right mentality? That’s what Coleman does off the scoresheet, and it’s now someone else’s turn.

Winning Hockey Is About the Details.

Hockey isn’t just about the top scorers or the flashy plays; it’s about the details that don’t always show up in the boxscore. It’s about attitude, consistency, and the little actions that set a tone for the whole group. Coleman’s absence makes that clear. It’s a test for the Flames — for their depth, for their character, and for the next set of guys who might eventually wear the “C” or take on the heavy minutes in the lineup.

So while fans might bemoan the lost production for a few weeks, the real story is what the team does in response. Huska’s message is simple: someone has to step up, and the team is counting on it. The Olympic break gives a hard stop, a moment to reset, but the challenge starts now. Step in, take the ice seriously, and channel a little bit of what makes Coleman invaluable — that’s the opportunity, and for the Flames, it couldn’t come at a more instructive moment.