Calgary's 2025-26 forward depth is taking shape with locks anchored by Huberdeau, Kadri, Sharangovich, Coronato, Backlund, Frost, Zary and Pospisil. Coleman and Lomberg are near certainties, while Farabee faces scoring and lineup pressure. Klapka and Kerins are clear bubble players, with Honzek, Hunt, Morton and Kirkland pushing for a last slot. An Andersson trade could shuffle both forward and defense depth, making camp pivotal for early-season roles.

The lineup leans toward a possible 14F/7D if the trade lands; Zary-Frost-Coronato could form a dynamic third line, with Backlund possibly sliding to 4C. The Oilers weekend series and Wranglers prospects provide a live read on the pipeline as no veteran PTOs have been added yet, keeping Calgary flexible into training camp.

Calgary’s 2024 Top 25 Under 25 paints a rich, multi‑tier future for the Flames, blending early NHL breakthroughs with deep junior and college development. Dustin Wolf anchors the present‑day horizon as a franchise‑changing goalie; Parekh and Gridin stand out as blue‑line and scoring engines to watch; a wave of forwards and defenders across WHL, OHL, NCAA and European playmaking paths populate a crowded pipeline that the Flames will shepherd into regular NHL roles over the next few seasons. Aged‑out veterans and trades reshuffle the board, but the core remains: more high‑ceiling talent is on the way in Calgary.

Calgary locked in its young core while leaving room to upgrade. Wolf, Coronato, and Zary signed seven- and three-year deals, creating a solid foundation with about 11.6M in cap space now and potential for a sizeable haul at the trade deadline. Kadri remains, keeping veteran presence without burning flexibility. The plan, per Calgary radio chatter, is patient growth and selective additions rather than a July sprint, all while pursuing a playoff push with a new rink on the horizon.

GM Conroy’s methodical approach centers on development and draft assets, aiming to keep the Flames competitive without compromising long-term flexibility. Last year’s 96-point finish showed overachievement without clinching a playoff spot, so the team stays aggressive enough to move if the start clicks, but prudent enough to wait for ideal fits heading toward the deadline.