Mikael Backlund, the Calgary Flames captain, showcased his leadership and defensive prowess in a challenging season, handling heavy minutes and shutting down top opponents. Despite mid-season trades and injuries, Backlund stabilized the team, mentoring young players and anchoring a solid penalty kill. With a two-year extension, hes set to surpass Jarome Iginlas all-time games played mark and continue his role as a mentor and valuable player.

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Utah Mammoth bolsters defense with Wieger trade, acquiring top-tier blueliner for three draft picks and college prospect Castagna.

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The Calgary Flames 2026 off-season is shaping up to be a strategic one, following the trades of Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and MacKenzie Weegar. The team now boasts a robust prospect pool and simplified waiver situation, with 43 players under contract, including restricted free agents across goalies, defense, and forwards.

In net, Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley are set to lead the NHL tandem, with Arsenii Sergeev and Owen Say backing them up in the AHL. The team has four goalies locked down, with no major waiver drama expected unless they seek minor-league depth.

The defense corps features six NHL veterans, such as Kevin Bahl, Zach Whitecloud, and Olli Maatta, who are waiver locks and likely to stay. Prospects Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz could challenge for spots, while the AHL group remains young and deep. Thirteen blueliners are under control, providing flexibility without forced moves.

Up front, eleven forwards are NHL locks needing waivers, including Blake Coleman, Mikael Backlund, and Jonathan Huberdeau. Probable additions like Matvei Gridin and Sam Honzek leave room for possibly one more, like John Beecher. The AHL side is anchored by Dryden Hunt, with a group of RFAs totaling 26 forwards.

With this setup, training camp battles will determine the extras, and a trade or two could shake things up. The Flames brass has options without pressure, making it an exciting time to watch who earns an opening night roster spot.

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