The Calgary Flames were one of the NHL’s worst teams last season, finishing near the bottom of the standings and ultimately retaining the sixth overall pick in the NHL Draft. Still in the early stages of a rebuild, Calgary lacks the star power needed to score goals and win games consistently.
Recently, Bleacher Report examined all 16 non-playoff teams and assessed whether their offseason moves were worth “buying” or “selling.” The Flames landed in the “sell” category, and the outlet wasn’t convinced Calgary did enough to take a meaningful step forward in 2026-27.
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One of Calgary’s biggest long-term challenges remains Jonathan Huberdeau‘s contract. The veteran forward carries a $10.5 million cap hit through 2030-31, making him the highest-paid player on a rebuilding roster that could once again find itself in the NHL Draft Lottery.
Moving Huberdeau would be extremely difficult without retaining salary or attaching significant assets, but his contract still limits Calgary’s flexibility. If the Flames can eventually find a creative solution, it could open both a roster spot and valuable cap space for the next stage of the rebuild.
Connor Zary and Zach Whitecloud have also surfaced in trade rumors. If either player is moved, Calgary could continue reshaping its roster while creating opportunities for younger players management believes can become part of the club’s long-term core.
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More importantly, the Flames need to support Dustin Wolf more. After emerging as one of hockey’s top young goaltenders, Wolf spent last season backstopping a team that struggled near the bottom of the standings. No matter how well he performs, Calgary will only improve if the skaters in front of him generate more offense and the organization’s young players take meaningful steps forward.
The Scotiabank Saddledome is scheduled to close following the 2026-27 season, barring a playoff run that extends its NHL life beyond the regular-season finale. Regardless of where Calgary finishes in the standings, the final season at the Saddledome will carry significance of its own. The rebuild will not be completed overnight, and another difficult season would not necessarily change the organization’s long-term direction.
Instead, fans will have one final year to appreciate a building that has housed Flames for more than four decades. There will be a final home opener, a final Battle of Alberta, a final goal, a final save, and eventually a final NHL game in the 43-year-old arena.
For a rebuilding team still searching for its next championship window, the farewell season offers Flames fans something meaningful to embrace even if the climb up the standings remains difficult.
