The Calgary Flames are entering the 2025–26 NHL season with a clear direction: rebuild around youth, lock in promising talent, and aim for long-term competitiveness. This article explores how the re-signings of key young players—Rory Kerins, Yan Kuznetsov, and Jeremie Poirier—reflect management’s vote of confidence in their developing core. We will also dive into how betting markets pricing Calgary’s playoff are hopes compared to other Canadian teams. With the Flames making bold roster decisions and focusing on player development, this campaign may serve as a true inflection point for the franchise’s future.
Rory Kerins Extension
Rory Kerins re-signing with the Flames solidifies a crucial piece of Calgary’s evolving center depth. The 22-year-old forward inked a two-year, two-way deal worth $1.55 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $775,000. Kerins was originally selected 174th overall in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Draft and has since emerged as a player worth betting on. He posted 37 points (17 goals, 20 assists) in 66 games with the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL last season, demonstrating a blend of skill, energy, and a two-way game that aligns perfectly with a franchise pivoting to youth.
Yan Kuznetsov Locked In
Yan Kuznetsov’s re-signing further supports the Flames’ youth movement on the blue line. The 22-year-old Russian defenseman, selected 50th overall in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, agreed to a one-year, two-way deal with an AAV of $775,000. With 12 points in 63 games for the Wranglers last season and steady defensive progression, Kuznetsov brings size (6’4″) and positional maturity. His contract, though short-term, reflects the organization’s belief in his development into a reliable third-pairing or penalty-killing defenseman.
Jeremie Poirier’s Return
Jeremie Poirier’s re-signing is the most intriguing among the Flames’ recent moves. The 22-year-old defenseman, drafted 72nd overall in 2020, agreed to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000. Though limited to just 24 games in the AHL last season due to injury, Poirier produced 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists), displaying elite offensive instincts from the blue line. His upside remains high, and the Flames appear committed to his trajectory as a power-play contributor and puck-moving asset. Betting on Poirier’s breakout aligns with Calgary’s long-term vision of a faster, more mobile backend.
The Win Column: Flames Bet on Youth
According to The Win Column, Calgary’s re-signings are not mere paper shuffles—they are calculated signals of a philosophical reboot. General Manager Craig Conroy’s strategy emphasizes internal development over splashy free-agent signings. The team’s reliance on younger players like Connor Zary, Jakob Pelletier, and Dustin Wolf, in conjunction with Kerins, Kuznetsov, and Poirier, marks a break from past regimes that leaned heavily on veterans. The 2025–26 campaign will be a testbed for this vision, one centered on patience, progression, and the long game.
Betting Odds Reflect Reality
Despite internal optimism, sportsbooks position the Flames as one of the least likely Canadian teams to make the 2025–26 playoffs. According to top lines aggregated by The Win Column, Calgary’s postseason odds rank below Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, and even Ottawa. Oddsmakers are clearly skeptical of the youth movement producing immediate dividends. As the Flames revamp their lineup, Canadian bettors should consult the best betting sites Canada to compare playoff futures and roster-based odds. These sites provide detailed projections based on evolving depth charts, cap management, and player development.
The Win Column: Roster Implications
The Win Column’s analysis of Calgary’s depth chart suggests a full embrace of developmental priorities. With veterans like Mikael Backlund and Nazem Kadri now tasked with mentoring roles, the team is carving out meaningful ice time for prospects. This transition will not be without hiccups, but the emphasis on building chemistry among young players gives fans and management a longer runway to evaluate fit, identity, and competitiveness.
Historical Comparisons
A look at Calgary’s franchise history on Wikipedia reveals that rebuilds have occurred before—but not with such clear intent. The 2013–14 season featured early signs of a youth movement, but inconsistent development paths and coaching changes derailed that trajectory. This time, the Flames appear more deliberate, combining prospect re-signings with a modernized player development system. With a growing AHL-to-NHL pipeline, Calgary hopes to reverse past missteps.
Draft and Develop
ESPN’s scouting analysis echoes the Flames’ commitment to a draft-and-develop model. While top-tier teams often chase expensive veterans, Calgary’s focus has shifted toward maximizing ELC (Entry-Level Contract) years and creating cap flexibility. The Flames currently have over $18 million in cap space for 2025–26, offering room for midseason trades or contract extensions should this young roster outperform expectations. ESPN also highlights the Flames’ investment in player analytics, aligning prospects’ strengths with tailored development plans.
Fan Patience Needed
FOX Sports notes that Calgary’s playoff drought may persist through 2025–26 unless their young core accelerates ahead of schedule. However, the network emphasizes that fans should temper expectations and look beyond this year’s standings. The Flames’ window is not opening yet—but these signings suggest it is being built brick by brick. FOX Sports also lauds the team’s AHL integration strategy, citing the Wranglers as one of the most effective affiliate programs in the league.
Leadership Matters
NHL.com emphasizes that Calgary’s success will hinge on how veterans handle leadership. Mikael Backlund, Nazem Kadri, and MacKenzie Weegar must guide the young group through adversity, set locker room standards, and ensure a competitive culture. Flames management is betting that pairing youth with experience—not just turning over the keys to the kids—will produce a more balanced rebuild. NHL.com projects that while the playoffs may be out of reach this year, the franchise could surprise if its defensive prospects exceed expectations.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on 2026–27
The 2025–26 season might not deliver postseason action in Calgary, but it is laying essential groundwork. Re-signing Kerins, Kuznetsov, and Poirier is more than contract housekeeping—it is a cultural statement. The front office’s message is clear: the next Flames core is already here, and they are being empowered. If even two of these players break out, Calgary’s competitive timeline could accelerate. Fans and analysts alike will be watching every shift closely.
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