The Calgary Flames Top Line Needs to Change
Coming into 2026/27, most, if not all of the optimism up front came from the Flames top line trio of Matvei Gridin, Morgan Frost and Matt Coronato, who flashed immense potential down the stretch a year ago. However, their talent may be a detriment to the line, as it's left very little throughout the rest of the lineup, and with how all three appear to be pressing and trying to do too much, it's made this move obvious.
On top of that, the trio have struggled in both puck acquisition and retention, and as a result, outside of the powerplay, they've not been able to find consistent time on the puck in the offensive zone. This change doesn't need to be permanent, but with players like Samuel Honzek and Aydar Suniev that could fill a role, it's clear that for now, a change needs to be made on the Flames top line.
Goaltending Off to a Historically Bad Start
Throughout Ryan Huska's tenure as Calgary Flames Head Coach, much has been made of his system that allows players to get in the fight and grind out competitive games, even if the talent level throughout the team may be inferior to their opponent. Last year, both Devin Cooley and Dustin Wolf consistently stole games from their opponents, but this year, their combined save percentage through four games is a measly .807, and given all of the breakaways and shots this team gives up, no one would be thriving back there.
Obviously, no team in NHL history has been good with goaltending numbers like that, but history tells us that it won't be this bad for much longer, as both Wolf and Cooley have way too much talent to not at least turn this around.
If they don't, this team is in contention with the 1974/75 Washington Capitals for worst single season team in NHL history, and given that it was one of the teams strengths coming into 2026/27, that's a major red flag for the organization.
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