The Flames need to find buyers for some key veterans
This season, the Calgary Flames moved off some big name veterans, and while they got some in return alongside prospects and draft capital, they also took on some veterans. While the team need some experience in the lineup to lead their young players in the right direction, this off-season provides them with the perfect opportunity to move some more veterans to gain more future assets.
Whether that's Ryan Strome, Olli Maatta or the long awaited Blake Coleman trade, the team have plenty of veterans with great value, and ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, don't be shocked to see them explore interest. The most likely to be dealt is Coleman, who would have significant value to a Stanley Cup contender, but with young names knocking on the door, a move of a veteran, two or three this summer would make sense.
The Flames need to make a splash at the 2026 NHL Draft
The 2025/26 season was always going to be significant to the future of the Flames, and there's no bigger prize at the end of that tunnel than a top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Right now, the Flames have the fourth best odds at landing the No. 1 overall pick, and whether they do or not, the team need to come away with a haul of assets from the event.
Whether that's getting the No. 1 pick and Gavin McKenna, utilizing all their second-round picks to add significant prospect capital or giving up some of those picks to move back into the lottery for a second time, the Flames time to strike is now. On paper, this is one of the deeper drafts in recent memory, and with Calgary looking to find a 1C of the future, the draft may be their opportunity to go after not one, but two or even three franchise changing players.
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