Like several other Canadian teams, the 2026-2027 NHL season will be one of rebuilding for the Calgary Flames. After moving several of their veteran players this offseason, the Flames are embracing the rebuild and will likely let their young players get experience this year. 

After missing the playoffs for the past four seasons, things are not looking much brighter this year for the Flames. With a relatively new roster, Calgary will be looking to build its foundation for the future. Here’s how Canadian sportsbooks are viewing the Flames ahead of the start of the 2026-2027 regular season. 

2025-26 Calgary Flames Season Recap

It wasn’t an easy year to be a Flames fan last season. Calgary limped to a 34-39-9 record, finishing in seventh place in the Pacific Division. 

Calgary’s offence struggled mightily, finishing dead last in the NHL in goals scored. Several prominent veterans were moved at the deadline for younger pieces and draft picks, including Rasmus Anderson, MacKenzie Weegar, and Nazem Kadri. 

Jonathan Huberdeau had another frustrating season, managing to suit up in just 50 games. He recorded just 25 points before undergoing season-ending surgery on his hip. He has remained sidelined through training camp, and his timeline to return is still unclear. 

The Flames had two first-round draft picks in the NHL Draft, selecting defenseman Carson Carels at sixth overall and forward Jack Hextall at 30th overall. 

What Is Different for the Flames in 2026-27?

The biggest difference is the direction of Calgary’s roster. 

The Flames have moved on from an aging core and are ready to let their young talent thrive. Calgary signed goaltender Dustin Wolf to a long-term deal and will look to build around him from the back end. The Flames also traded for former second overall draft pick Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils. Calgary is taking a chance on Nemec, who comes with plenty of prospect pedigree and is looking forward to a fresh start. 

The offensive side of the puck will still be a challenge for the Flames. A quick look at the team’s depth chart shows very few names who have a chance at even reaching the 20-goal plateau this year. Captain Mikael Backlund, Morgan Frost, and Joel Farabee are some options that stand out.

For the Flames, it will be all about watching the young talent. Zayne Parekh should challenge for a roster spot on Opening Night, and do not be surprised if Carels and Hextall get considered for call-ups later in the season. 

Calgary Flames Betting Outlook

Calgary is one team that Canadian bettors should be cautious about in the futures market. At this point, the team is not challenging for the Stanley Cup, the Western Conference, or even the Pacific Division. 

Instead, independent player award markets could be the way to go. If Huberdeau can stay healthy this year, he would be a prime candidate for the Bill Masterton Trophy. 

Calgary Flames 2026-27 FAQs

1 Are the Calgary Flames expected to make the playoffs in 2026-27?

The Flames enter the season as a rebuilding team after finishing with 77 points last season. Calgary is not expected to make the playoffs in the 2026-2027 season, according to Canadian betting markets.

2 Who is the Calgary Flames' most important player in 2026-27?

Goaltender Dustin Wolf could be the most important player on the roster. Calgary is relying heavily on the 25-year-old netminder as part of its long-term rebuild, and strong goaltending could keep the Flames competitive even when their offence struggles.

3 Are the Calgary Flames a good team to bet on in 2026-27?

Calgary could be more attractive in individual game markets than in futures betting. Betting markets like regular-season over/unders could be interesting, but for the most part, the Flames are expected to be one of the league’s worst teams in 2026-2027.