In the summer of 2024, most fans and analysts expected the Calgary Flames to be nothing but sellers, but instead, the team made some small moves, acquiring the likes of Devin Cooley, Anthony Mantha and Ryan Lomberg in free agency. Lomberg's addition to the team came on the back of a Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers, with the veteran, who began his professional career with the Stockton Heat back in 2015 signing a two-year, $4 million deal.
That deal has now run out with the team failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leaving the 31-year old in a very interesting position heading into this off-season. While Lomberg plays an important role as a veteran, the team are likely to head into 2025/26 with the likes of Mikael Backlund, Ryan Strome, Zach Whitecloud and Olli Maatta all playing significant roles, meaning that his presence simply isn't enough to get by on anymore.
Lomberg did contribute this season, tallying 4 goals and 9 points in 57 games played, but now the question becomes, do the Flames need to bring him back, and if so, in what role?
That was something that Lomberg addressed at his exit meeting on Friday, but before he discussed his future, he once again professed his love for the city that he's become so synonymous with.
"I've been pretty vocal about how much I love Calgary, how much I want to be part of it, how much I love the people, the organization, all that stuff."Ryan Lomberg
“I've been pretty vocal about how much I love Calgary, how much I want to be part of it, how much I love the people, the organization, all that stuff.” - Ryan Lomberg, who is a pending UFA#Flames
— Colton Pankiw (@Coltonpankiw) April 17, 2026
Then however, he got honest about his future, revealing that he's not sure what his future holds, with there likely to be some interest in him as a free agent in the coming summer.
Pending UFA Ryan Lomberg says he’s not sure what his future holds in Calgary.
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) April 17, 2026
Reiterates how much he’s enjoyed being in the city and loves being part of the organization. #Flames
On paper, Lomberg could still be a good fit as a fourth-liner somewhere in the NHL, but given that the Flames have Martin Pospisil, Adam Klapka and the brand new Tyson Gross who made his mark late this season, there's simply no significant role for Lomberg. That doesn't mean that the Flames won't try, but with the uncertainty around Lomberg's future, don't be surprised to see him depart this off-season.
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