Jonathan Huberdeau
While Jonathan Huberdeau had the worst season of his career in 2025/26 before season ending surgery, he bounced back well in 2024/25, posting 28 goals and 62 points, both highs for his time in Calgary. There's a chance that what we saw last season will be what Huberdeau is now, but if he can get back to the 60-70 point player he looked like the year prior, he'll be a player that these young Flames lean on.
As a result, he's the perfect player to wear an 'A', as he's done so for the past three seasons, and given that he'll likely play key roles on the PP, penalty kill and at 5v5, he's going to be a good leader for this Flames team. Whether or not he ever ends up being a productive leader on a post-season team in Calgary, only time will tell, but despite all the criticism, Huberdeau is still a great person on and off the ice, and will be a good leader for the Flames as they move through their rebuild.
Zach Whitecloud
Like some believe Middleton can do this season, Zach Whitecloud arrived in Calgary a year ago and became an immediate fan favourite, and already he's won over fans with his play on the ice and his constant presence in the community. The main difference for Whitecloud compared to Middleton is his role on the team is less certain, as the Flames right-side is loaded with players the team need to get on the ice, but if Whitecloud has a permanent role, he will wear the 'A' again.
The one reason he may not wear an 'A' is a potential trade, with Craig Conroy reportedly fielding interest in the veteran this off-season, and given his cheap contract at two more years with a $2.75 million AAV, he would be a player that contenders would love to add.
However, Conroy has made it clear that he's not actively shopping Whitecloud, and given how popular he already is in the room, he makes sense as a Flames leader, with the team building out a group of veterans who are quality characters that can show the young players how to prepare and get the best out of themselves in the NHL.
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