Adam Klapka
Adam Klapka has been one of the most intriguing Calgary Flames since he arrived to the organization, and in his short stint at the NHL level, he's shown a very solid skillset that could allow him to play at the highest level for a long time to come. This past season was Klapka's first full season in the league, and in 79 games, he tallied a very solid 6 goals and 18 points while being top-five in the National Hockey League in hits.
In this time, the Flames have tried him up the lineup several times, but when he makes the move up the lineup, his game changes for the worst, but on the fourth line, the 6-foot-8 forward is a wrecking ball with the ability to make some skillful plays as well. Since arriving, the team have struggled to define Klapka's role, but with young names taking over in the top nine, it's time to solidify his role on the fourth line and allow him to be the physical force that he can be.
Verdict: The Flames need to define their fourth line and their roles heading into the season, with Klapka needing to be stapled to the fourth line for all 82 games.
Ryan Strome
At the trade deadline, the Calgary Flames shocked the NHL world when they dealt Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche, but with a need for depth down the middle, they also gave up a seventh-round pick to land Ryan Strome from the Anaheim Ducks. Many expected him to simply be a stop-gap player until a young centre like Cole Reschny is ready to make the leap to the NHL, but like Olli Maatta, he took his game to another level in Calgary.
In 19 games with the team, Strome tallied 5 goals and 12 points, and currently, he has one year remaining on his contract with a $5 million salary cap hit. Given his experience and success at the NHL level and a relatively cheap deal, that will make him a very attractive player at the deadline or in the summer, and while the Flames could deal him now, it's more likely than not that they'll take him into the season and try to increase his value.
Verdict: Hope Strome continues his play from 2025/26 on the third line and deal him at the trade deadline.
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