The trade deadline has come and gone, and in a rare occurrence, so have the organization’s playoff aspirations. After a tumultuous 2025, the Flames finally looked toward the future after the Olympic break, trading three veteran staples before the deadline.
The trades, two of which included remaining terms at key positions, signalled a marked shift in the Flames’ approach to asset management and their competitive window. As such, the collective return Craig Conroy brought home to Calgary prioritized prospects and draft capital. This week, we wanted to know which newly acquired player you’re most excited for: we asked, you answered.
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Which player acquired at the deadline are you most excited about?
We presented this poll to our readers.
Brennan Othmann
Brennan Othmann, acquired from the New York Rangers for Flames prospect Jacob Battaglia, collected roughly 10% of this week’s votes. The 23-year-old played 17 games for the Rangers this season, scoring his first NHL goal.
Othmann, a former 16th overall pick in 2021, has struggled to find his footing with the Rangers since being drafted, playing in 42 NHL games across his career. Since joining the Flames organization, Othmann has appeared in three games for the Wranglers, tallying two assists.
Without a doubt, Conroy’s acquisition of Othmann is another attempt to offer a struggling young player some runway for success.
Jonathan Castagna
Jonathan Castagna, acquired in the Mackenzie Weegar trade, ran away with this week’s poll. Despite Castagna collecting almost 60% of the votes, less than two weeks ago, the 20-year-old centre was completely unknown in Calgary.
Castagna was drafted by Utah (Arizona) in the 3rd round of the 2023 draft. Castagna signed with Cornell in 2023 and has since recorded 30 goals and 73 points in 98 career games for the Big Red. This season, Castagna has worn an A for Cornell and leads the team in goals and points with 14 and 33, respectively.
Castagna, at 6’2”, 200 lbs, has been an impactful player for Cornell over his three seasons. Whether or not the Toronto native will stay for his senior year is yet to be determined. However, the Flames have added yet another impactful forward out of the NCAA to their prospect pool.
Max Curran
Max Curran finished second in this week’s poll, collecting roughly 25% of the votes. Curran was acquired as part of the return from the Colorado Avalanche for Nazem Kadri. The Czech playmaker was selected 161st overall in 2024 by the Avalanche out of the WHL with the Tri-City Americans.
2025–26 has seen Curran play for the Edmonton Oil Kings and Team Czechia at the World Juniors. Curran has recorded 14 goals and 41 points for the Oil Kings through 31 games while adding a goal and five points in his seven WJC games.
Curran is committed to the University of Massachusetts for the 2026–27 season. The 19-year-old will benefit from an NCAA transition before making the move pro. At 6’3 “, 180 lbs, Curran will have a lot to gain from the NCAA environment compared to Junior hockey.
Other
Outside of the prospects acquired at the deadline, Flames fans didn’t have much of a response for roster players Victor Oloffson or veteran Ryan Strome. Flames fans are focused on the future, with “other” collecting only 5% of this week’s votes.
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