For the next six weeks, the attention surrounding the Scotiabank Saddledome will be laser-focused on one goal: making the NHL playoffs. With the trade deadline of March 7, 2025, having passed, the Calgary Flames find themselves one point out of the second wild-card position in the Western Conference.
Things have settled for the Flames after what may have felt like tumultuous speculation about potential trades. Flames general manager Craig Conroy declined to make any moves as the deadline approached, instead opting to keep the current roster intact. This decision reflects the confidence he has shown in his team, which has exceeded expectations so far this season.
“It’s different than last year obviously…but it’s a good thing, because we believe in the team just from the beginning of the year,” Conroy said after the deadline passed. The Flames, having already brought aboard forwards Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, are now prepared to face the Montreal Canadiens at home.
The Flames’ roster also faces substantial decisions as they aim for playoff success. Among their priorities is re-signing Rasmus Andersson, who has emerged as one of the league’s top defensemen. Andersson, who is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2026, looks poised for discussion about extending his time with Calgary. The management aims to secure him with what could be an eight-year deal.
Rasmus's significance isn't lost on fans or management alike. He’s known not just for his skills but also as a leader within the locker room and his ability to play on both special teams units. With Andersson’s abilities, the Flames are unwilling to entertain the thought of trading him, particularly with their current momentum.
Alongside player retention strategies, the Flames are also grappling with how to develop their promising talent, such as Zayne Parekh, who was drafted ninth overall last summer. Parekh has shown remarkable performance during his time back with the Saginaw Spirit, leading all OHL defensemen and having achieved 100 points this season, making history as only the second blueliner to record multiple 30-goal campaigns.
With Parekh not old enough for AHL play next season due to age restrictions, the Flames will have to find room on their NHL roster for him or allow him to continue dominating the OHL. This likely means assessing the future of other players like Joel Hanley, who may find themselves on the trade block or let go when free agency opens.
Further complicate these dynamics are the flames' future plans for their roster’s depth as they face important restricted free agents, including Morgan Frost, Connor Zary, and Matt Coronato. Each are expected to contribute significantly to the Flames' continued success. Given the salary cap space, management looks to secure these players long-term. This commitment not only enhances the team's depth but also reflects their reliance on these younger players becoming core pieces of the lineup portion.
Meanwhile, the Flames are on the hunt for a right-shot center, which has been long overdue. The right fit would ideally be younger and with considerable upside, which poses unique challenges since talented centers at a young age often demand steep prices on the trade market.
Perhaps the most pressing situation developing pertains to the goalie lineup for the upcoming season. Dustin Wolf, who has demonstrated potential as the goalie of the future during his inaugural season, is the primary consideration. The Flames now face the decision of how to position Dan Vladar, who is also up for unrestricted free agency this summer. With substantial performances recently, Flames might weigh the option of retaining him as Wolf's backup or exploring alternative solutions.
The trade deadline may have closed without significant activity for the Flames this season, but the road to successful late-season play remains focused. They return to the Saddledome, where they aim to reignite their momentum during their homestand against the Canadiens. With the recent increase of confidence among players, the feeling is palpable as fans prepare to cheer their team on through the final stretch of the 2025 regular season.
Meanwhile, for many Flames fans, nostalgia remains vivid as former player Andrew Ference recently shared photos from the Flames’ 2004 Stanley Cup run on social media. Ference, who had spent part of his career with the Flames, marked the 21st anniversary of their historic playoff run and created excitement among fans longing for the memories of the franchise's past glory.
Even as playoff aspirations mount, the Flames lineup is undeniably rich with history and potential for future achievements. The decisions made this offseason will set the tone for what could be consistent postseason appearances, guiding the franchise toward greater success.