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12 bold Calgary Flames predictions for the 2023-24 season

By Brett Montrose

Mar 25, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) and Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (52) celebrates win over San Jose Sharks at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) and Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (52) celebrates win over San Jose Sharks at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here. We. Go. The NHL’s regular season starts TODAY. The next era of Calgary Flames hockey starts TOMORROW. The opening night roster is set, some off-season questions have been answered, and the anticipation is bubbling over, but there’s time for a bit more speculation. If I’m lucky, a couple of these might come close, but I expect to be laughed at for the majority of these bold ’23-24 Flames predictions.

And yes, I chose the number 12 for a reason.

  1. Dustin Wolf will start key games down the stretch as the Calgary Flames battle for a playoff spot. After Dan Vladar is moved, Wolf will become a regular in the Flames lineup. Initially backing up Jacob Markstrom, Wolf will win games and prove he’s ready for higher-pressure starts when the points matter most.
  2. Jonathan Huberdeau will lead the Calgary Flames in points with a point per game.
  3. Matt Coronato will hit the 50-point mark.
  4. Captain Mikael Backlund will have his best offensive season to date, exceeding his 56 points from ’22-23. Rejuvenation under a new coach and with the “C” on his chest will keep the 34-year-old youthful and impactful for the Flames.
  5. MacKenzie Weegar will score 40+ points with minutes on the power play.
  6. Connor Zary will make his NHL debut. Once he’s up with the big club, he’ll be a permanent fixture, replacing someone like Dryden Hunt, A.J. Greer, or Kevin Rooney as a lineup regular.
  7. The Flames will finish top-six in the NHL in fighting majors. After 19 fights in ’22-23, they’ll hit the 30-fight mark in ’23-24. Greer + more ice time for Dennis Gilbert + increased GAF = more fights.
  8. The Flames’ power play will have a top-10 percentage in the NHL.
  9. A major difference-maker for the Flames will be a winning overtime and shootout record. They’ll have nine or fewer OTLs.
  10. Dillon Dubé will find his consistency and produce a career year offensively.
  11. Rasmus Andersson will make his first NHL All-Star Game; the Flames will have two representatives – Huberdeau will be there, too.
  12. The Calgary Flames will earn a wild card spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

What are your boldest Flames predictions for 2023-24?

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