In any other year, the Calgary Flames’ 39 losses and 77 points would be more than good enough for last place in the Pacific Division. But in 2025-26, they didn’t account for a generational run from the Vancouver Canucks to finish a clean 19 points in front of them.

The Flames are a club that began a full-scale rebuild three seasons ago when general manager Craig Conroy dealt Elias Lindholm to the Canucks at the 2024 All-Star break. Since then, Calgary has made some improvements, but progress has been very slow. Heck, they haven’t even seemed to reach true rock bottom yet.

Calgary started the season with a 4-3 shootout win over the Edmonton Oilers. The very next night, the Canucks crushed them 5-1, and that began an eight-game losing streak that the Flames never recovered from. At least the Canucks did something well (if you ignore that the Flames outscored them 12-5 in their final two meetings)?

So what do the Flames have going for them? Matt Coronato led the team with 45 points, but that was two fewer points than the previous year. Dustin Wolf has all the potential to be a solid starting goaltender, but his numbers took a big dip after losing a league-leading 29 games last season. And what do you do about Jonathan Huberdeau, whose fall-off from 100-point player to middle-six cast-off will be studied for years?

Some of the young guns like Coronato, Zayne Parekh and Connor Zary took on bigger roles last season, while former Canucks draft pick Hunter Brzustewicz made his NHL debut and played in 34 games. But there’s not a lot of immediate reinforcements coming. Perhaps that’s why their biggest move of the offseason was trading for 22-year-old defender Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils and quickly signing him to a five-year deal worth $36.25 million.

Conroy and the Flames’ front office have taken a shall we say, “methodical” approach to their rebuild. While the likes of Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson and Blake Coleman have been dealt for futures in the past few months, other veterans like Huberdeau and captain Mikael Backlund remain Flames.

The Flames have just one season left at the iconic Saddledome before their planned move into the brand new Scotia Place for the 2027-28 season. Ideally, Calgary should be rounding the corner back to contention right as they cut the ribbon for their new home and the $1 billion construction bill comes due. But they sure don’t look anywhere close to that; the only rebuild on schedule in Calgary is this fan’s Lego project.

But the Flames have yet to reach their true rock bottom, though this might be the year. The team has yet to fully embrace a tank, and the roster they have left after this offseason might finally be the one to get them there. Progress isn’t always linear, and if this season goes right for Calgary, they’ll end up in the crevasse instead of on the slope.

Not bold enough? Alright, how about this: Dustin Wolf will have a rebound season so impressive, he earns Vezina Trophy votes.

THE OFFSEASON SOCIAL CLUB HAS ARRIVED! The new era of Nation Gear starts here. Introducing the Nation Gear x Levelwear Offseason Social Club Collection — a limited edition collection built for the fans who know the sports lifestyle doesn’t stop. Designed for golf rounds, patio hangs, weekend trips, and every plan in between, this collection blends premium performance with everyday leisure. It’s versatile enough to dress up, comfortable enough to live in, and made for wherever the offseason takes you. Because being a sports fan isn’t a season — it’s a personality. Welcome to the club. Shop the Offseason Social Club now. nationgear.ca