NHL Free Agency Day One Wrap: Who Did the Calgary Flames Sign?

For years now, the Calgary Flames have been targeting big upgrades in free agency, but coming into July 1st in 2026, the team were taking a different approach under General Manager Craig Conroy. Unsurprisingly, the team came into free agency not wanting to add too many players, and while things were quiet on the NHL front, the team had some bodies they needed to fill out the Calgary Wranglers roster.

On day one of free agency, that's exactly what they did, with the team adding three free agents all set to make an impact in the AHL, signing Mike Benning, Andreas Englund and Jake Livingstone to one-year, two-way deals.

First up is Englund, who made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators back in 2016/17, and since then he's appeared in 200 games, with the defenseman tallying 2 goals and 20 points across that span. The majority of last season for Englund was spent in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, appearing in 52 games for the team and posting 3 goals and 13 points. That's the role he'll play in the AHL for the Flames as well, and while there's a chance he may play some NHL games, given the depth of the blue line, don't be shocked to see him remain in the AHL all season.

Next up is Alberta native Mike Benning, who was once a fourth-round pick of the Florida Panthers just six years ago, and after spending his career with the Panthers, he's returning to Alberta with the Flames organization. Last year, the 24-year-old defenseman had 2 goals and 6 points in 18 NHL games, and while the majority of his career has been spent in the AHL, he's been dominant down there, and that could help the Wranglers in a big way.

The last outside addition to the Flames is Jake Livingstone, another AHL level defenseman who has combined for 50 points in the AHL across the past three seasons, and while he doesn't have the ceiling of the other two, he could be a good depth addition to the organization.

On top of that, the Flames re-signed both Ben Jones and William Stromgren, and with the additions of several prospects to the AHL group, the Wranglers have a chance to bounce back in a big way next season. Ultimately though, free agency went as many expected, with the team not being too active as they look to continue giving their young names a chance to make an impact at the NHL level.

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