Zach Whitecloud
After months of speculation, the Calgary Flames finally moved on from Rasmus Andersson, and in the deal, the team got a natural replacement for No. 4, landing veteran Zach Whitecloud in the trade. While he's not known for his offensive game, Whitecloud played a much bigger role in Calgary, and that allowed him to produce more than expected, posting 10 assists and a +2 differential across 31 games.
With two years left on his current contract, the chances that he's traded this season are relatively low, and as a result, he's going to once again be in that shutdown role for the Flames next season. Eventually, the Flames will look to cash in, but given how well he fit in both on and off the ice with the organization, don't be shocked to see him wearing a letter after his solid performances in 2025/26.
Grade: B
Yan Kuznetsov
Perhaps the most unexpected arrival in Calgary this season was Yan Kuznetsov, who made his AHL debut with the organization back in 2020/21, and after finding his game over the past two years, he earned his recall. Since then, Kuznetsov has gone about proving he belongs in the NHL, and given his stay at home style, he's the perfect fit alongside some of the Flames young, offensive minded defencemen.
As the year went on, Kuznetsov only grew in confidence, and after posting 4 goals and 12 points in 58 games played, and his balance is what really works about his game with this current defensive group. Unlike other young players on this blue line, Kuznetsov definitely has a ceiling, but if he can be a solid piece for this team as the rebuild goes on, it will be a major boost for the organization moving forward.
Grade: B-
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