The Calgary Flames are well-stocked on the wings.
They have a good mix of established veterans and exciting up-and-comers. They probably have more NHL-ready options than spots available, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
We conclude our series of Flames’ depth chart re-dos with an updated look at the possibilities on the left and right flank …
Recent additions
The Flames’ most popular move in free agency was a reunion with Ryan Lomberg, a fan-fave fourth-liner who started his career in Calgary and just won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. At 29 and signed for the next two seasons at a cap hit of US$2 million, Lomberg is just as fast, feisty and fearless as you remember from his first stint in this city. Anthony Mantha has something to prove after receiving only one-year contract offers, while Martin Frk provides organizational depth and should be a scoring threat for the Wranglers. Calgary’s haul at the 2024 NHL Draft included three wingers with encouraging offensive stats — USHL scoring champ Matvei Gridin, Calgary-raised Andrew Basha and Jacob Battaglia.
Recent departures
Andrew Mangiapane, after spending the past seven seasons at the Saddledome, was swapped to the Washington Capitals during draft week. Most expected this move to come closer to the trade deadline, but the Flames were more than satisfied with this offer and flipped the 28-year-old buzzsaw to D.C. for a second-round pick in 2025. AJ Greer is also a goner after signing as a free agent with the defending champs in Florida.
Still on the to-do list
The work on the wings is mostly done, save for new contracts for a couple of restricted free agents — Adam Klapka and Jakob Pelletier. If anything, general manager Craig Conroy might be looking to ship out another veteran to alleviate this logjam.
If the season started tomorrow
Flames bench boss Ryan Huska has probably filled several pages on his notepad with potential line combinations. We know that Mantha, a lefty who is comfortable on the right side, will get a crack at developing chemistry with Jonathan Huberdeau. As the 29-year-old Mantha put it after signing in Cowtown: “They told me they maybe wanted that French connection, and I was all for it.” With Mangiapane’s departure, we’re wondering if one of the young’ns — such as Matt Coronato, 21, or the 23-year-old Pelletier — will be working opposite of Blake Coleman. We’re curious where Andrei Kuzmenko will slot, an answer that might hinge on whether one or both of Martin Pospisil and Connor Zary are shifted to centre as sophomores.
Rookie watch
Sam Honzek, the Flames’ first-round holler in the 2023 NHL Draft, is poised to turn pro. This 19-year-old left-winger from Slovakia — he’s been training back home with Pospisil — will be aiming to prove he can contribute right away. He needs to also prove he can stay healthy. William Stromgren, 21, had a strong second half to his first season in North America and was the best player on the ice at development camp, further proof this skilled Swede is trending in the right direction. Klapka scored his first big-league goal in Game 82 last season and, as he approaches his 24th birthday, is pushing for full-time duties on the fourth line.
Don’t forget about
Pelletier remains a part of the long-term plan of the Saddledome. Question is, how exactly does he fit? Can he provide some scoring pop as a middle-six winger? Is he better suited to a checking role? Pelletier is coming off a nightmare season that included two separate injuries to the same shoulder and an eventual demotion to the minors. Along the way, he’ll admit his confidence took a hit. At his best, Pelletier is a ball of energy on the ice and a fountain of positivity in the locker room. The Flames could benefit from both, but this speedy left-hander will need to earn a job with a strong training camp showing.
Burning question
Can Huberdeau, the highest-paid player on the Flames’ roster, find his way back to the point-per-game range? The 31-year-old left-winger has settled for 50-some points in each of his first two campaigns in Calgary.
