The Calgary Flames have a history of building strong rosters with talented players who have contributed significantly to the team’s success in the NHL. The franchise has a great track record of identifying top players, a difficult task which can have a long-lasting impact on the team’s performance.
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We’ll be taking a closer look at the top 10 Flames players, analyzing their position, statistics, and their performance throughout their career.
Jonathan Huberdeau is recognized as one of the best playmakers in the NHL. Operating with exceptional vision and passing ability, Huberdeau consistently builds up assists and helps his team’s offensive play. While his performance may have dipped in recent seasons, dropping from his record-setting 115 points (30 goals, 85 assists) in 2021-22 with Florida to 55 points in his first Calgary season, Huberdeau’s skills remain a huge asset for the team.
He started his professional career with the Florida Panthers, where he broke the franchise record for scoring the most points in a single season before joining the Flames in 2022. Huberdeau signed the largest contract in the franchise’s history, worth $84 million, securing his services for eight consecutive years. While still finding his footing in Calgary, his resume includes an NHL All-Star Game appearance and the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year in 2013.
A powerful centre known for his scoring ability and physical style of play, Nazem Kadri is an alternate captain for the Calgary Flames. Apart from bringing his fierce competitiveness on the ice, Kadri's ability to perform in key situations has earned him a reputation as a reliable clutch player.
His career kicked off with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played until 2019, when he joined the Colorado Avalanche in the summer. He went on to play a pivotal role in the franchise's playoff runs and was a significant contributor to their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, making him the first Muslim player to win the Cup. Following the 2022 season, he joined the Calgary Flames for a contract worth $49 million. Kadri was named to the AHL All-Star Game in 2012.
The Flames’ defence depends on Rasmus Andersson’s strong prowess at the back and his skill at helping to create an offensive play. He has shown time and time again that his ability to read plays and make smart decisions is indispensable to the team's form, leading to several contributions from the blue line that are crucial for the team's success.
Born in Malmö, Sweden, Andersson started as a youth with the Malmö Redhawks before joining the Calgary Flames in 2015. During the 2019-2020 season, he established himself as a top-four pairing defenceman and extended his contract for another six years with the team.
A versatile defenceman, MacKenzie Weegar is known for his ability to shut down opposing forwards and transition play effectively. This level of resilience and defensive prowess has made him a key player for the Calgary Flames in recent seasons, contributing to the team’s defensive and offensive efforts.
Weegar's professional hockey career started with the Florida Panthers in 2014, where he built his reputation until he was traded to the Calgary Flames alongside Jonathan Huberdeau in a blockbuster deal in 2022. He was a part of the Florida Panthers' historic 2021-2022 season, where they won the Presidents' Trophy for the best regular-season record.
The captain of the Calgary Flames, Mikael Backlund, is a seasoned centre celebrated for his two-way play and strong leadership qualities. His defensive know-how, combined with his capabilities in the team’s offence, has made him an essential player for the Flames.
Originally from Sweden, Backlund began his junior career with Västerås HK. Although he was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 2007 NHL entry draft, he debuted for the franchise during the 2009-2010 season. Despite some injuries holding him back in his initial seasons, Backlund has since proved his worth both on and off the ice. He has been nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and humanitarian contributions.
A promising young goaltender, Dustin Wolf is known for his lightning-fast reflexes and his ability to keep composure under pressure. Despite limited NHL action, Wolf has already flashed the potential to become a top-tier goaltender. His impressive performances at the junior level, including winning the WHL Goaltender of the Year twice, have earned him high expectations.
His professional career began with the Stockton Heat in 2021, but after a single season, he relocated to the Calgary Wranglers. During this time, he also represented the USA at the World Junior Championships, contributing to their gold medal win in 2021. He was recalled by the Calgary Flames in 2023, delivering an impressive first performance against the San Jose Sharks. Although he has had to compete for his spot with other goaltenders, he remains one of the Calgary Flames’ biggest prospects.
Matthew Coronato is an emerging offensive talent with a knack for finding the back of the net. Known for his attacking skills and hockey IQ, Coronato has shown the potential to develop into a key offensive player for the Flames. His ability to generate scoring opportunities and his competitive spirit predict a strong future for him in the NHL.
Coronato was a standout player at Harvard University, where he was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team. After completing his sophomore season with Harvard, Coronato joined the Calgary Flames, although in his first season, he split his time between the Calgary Flames and Wranglers. In 2024, he was named as a representative for the Wranglers to the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic.
As one of Calgary's top prospects, he continues to develop his game in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit, where his offensive prowess from the blue line has caught the attention of hockey analysts and Flames fans alike. His future looks bright however, and Flames followers are excited for the impact he'll undoubtably bring when he jumps to the NHL.
Blake Coleman is a dynamic forward winger known for his speed and tenacity. He plays a largely physical game while contributing offensively with a level of versatility that allows him to be effective in various roles, be it scoring goals or shutting down the opposition at the rear.
Coleman’s professional career kicked off with the New Jersey Devils in 2015 until he moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020. He was a critical part of the franchise’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, joining the Calgary Flames at the end of the season. He was the NHL's Second Star of the Week on January 14, 2024, collecting four goals and three assists for seven points.
Elias Lindholm is a skilled centre and right-winger with strong offensive creativity and defensive responsibility. His significant contributions at both ends of the ice have made him one of the Flames' most important players ever since he joined the franchise in 2018. He has shown consistent performances across his career, elevating the action at some of the most crucial moments in the game.
Lindholm began his professional career with the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring a hat-trick against the Edmonton Oilers in 2015. Since joining the Flames, he has been recognized with multiple team awards, including the Flames’ Player of the Year, and has also represented his country, Sweden, in international competitions, winning a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. Since then, he has moved on to play for the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins.