Here’s a rewritten version of the content in my own words:
Calgary Flames rank 28th in Hockey News’ NHL Summer Splash Rankings.
The rankings evaluate NHL teams based on their offseason performance, highlighting which teams have improved, remained steady, or declined by analyzing their acquisitions and departures, including notable additions and releases.
After exploring why the Flames landed at 28th place, we’ll review all previous team rankings.
Additions
Ivan Prosvetov (G), Nick Cicek (D)
Analysis: The Flames finished tied with the St. Louis Blues for the final Stanley Cup wildcard spot last season but lost out due to a tiebreaker. In the last five years, they have missed the playoffs three or four times. Given the modest upgrades made by GM Craig Conroy so far this offseason, it’s hard to expect much improvement. While other teams in the Pacific Division have made major moves this summer, Calgary’s additions are less impressive. Bringing in Cicek, a depth defenseman who hasn’t spent time in the NHL since 2022-23, and Prosvetov, a backup goalie mainly in the AHL, doesn’t signal clear progress for the Flames.
Departures
Anthony Mantha (RW), Kevin Rooney (C), Dan Vladar (G), Tyson Barrie (D)
Analysis: Losing Mantha is not significant as he only scored 4 goals and had 7 points in 13 games before injury. Rooney contributed 5 goals and 10 points in 70 games, while Vladar posted a .898 save percentage in 30 games. Barrie played 24 games split between the Flames and their AHL affiliate. Of these, Vladar’s exit might sting the most because he relieved pressure on rookie goalie Dustin Wolf and added veteran stability. Calgary now relies on Wolf with Devin Cooley or Prosvetov backing him up. Conroy seems to expect improvement from young players rather than bringing in seasoned veterans to solidify playoff chances. Although few key players left, the lack of impactful additions stands out.
Conclusion
Conroy’s limited offseason activity suggests either he believes the current team can eke out a wildcard spot again or he’s planning a major trade involving veterans such as Rasmus Andersson, who is entering the final year of his contract and could be a valuable asset given his affordable cap hit. Center Nazem Kadri, still under contract for four years, has been mentioned in trade rumors but remains part of the Flames’ core. If the team looks the same at the end of July, Calgary lacks the depth to compete strongly in the Pacific Division. Betting on young talent is a risky strategy without guarantees. This could leave the Flames stuck in mediocrity—not quite playoff-worthy, but not poor enough to secure a top draft pick. This situation explains why fans are frustrated with Calgary’s current approach. Although they scraped into last season’s playoffs, they were ill-equipped to advance and risk repeating that fate without stronger roster moves. Unless goalie Dustin Wolf plays out of his mind, the team may regress despite $15.4 million in available cap space. The only upside to that scenario would be securing a higher draft pick to rebuild.
Summer Splash Rankings:
- Calgary Flames
- Los Angeles Kings
- Winnipeg Jets
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Buffalo Sabres
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Fan Take:
Calgary’s lackluster offseason highlights the challenges teams face balancing youth development with immediate competitiveness. Hockey fans should watch closely—if the Flames can’t leverage their young talent or make bold moves, they risk falling behind in the fiercely competitive Pacific Division, impacting playoff landscapes and future NHL rivalries.
