The 2026/27 season for the Calgary Flames is going to be one with mixed emotions, as this is a team that's likely going to struggle, but in the final year of the Scotiabank Saddledome, there will be plenty of celebration for what has been an interesting run over the past four decades in the iconic arena.
While there won't be much success on the ice, there are individuals on this team with plenty of talent, and given the increased ice time for many players on the roster, there's a chance for them to explode in 2026/27.
Sure, some will disappoint while others will surprisingly thrive, but today, we're going to look into those that many expect to thrive in this situation as we name five players that are set up to have career best campaigns, whether that be goals, assists, points or whatever metric it could be.
Authors note: This list won't include any players with less than two full NHL seasons, as a player like Sam Honzek due to injury could have a career year with just five points, so no Zayne Parekh, Hunter Brzustewicz, Matvei Gridin or others who are heading into their first or second true full season in the NHL.
5. Zach Whitecloud
Zach Whitecloud has never been known for his offensive play, and while that didn't change in 2025/26, he flashed some great potential with the Flames when he was given more opportunities. In 31 games with the Flames, Whitecloud had 10 assists, a number that was just two behind his previous career high, and with the 7 points in 47 games for the Golden Knights, he was just two behind his overall career high in points.
Ahead of the 2026/27 season, there's been plenty of speculation about his future in the NHL with the Flames, as many believe GM Craig Conroy could get a haul for the veteran blue liner, meaning that he could be on the way out before the regular season.
If he stays however, he'll likely be in a top-four role in Calgary, and after 10 assists in just 31 games, it could be the first time in the 29-year-olds career that he ends a regular season with 20+ points.
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