We’re continuing our series looking at the Calgary Flames’ updated organizational depth chart at all positions. Next up, we have the defence, where the Flames have made significant changes since GM Craig Conroy took over. Let’s take a look at the Flames’ robust depth on the blueline.
Kevin Bahl
Acquired via the Jacob Markstrom trade, Kevin Bahl had a solid second season with the Flames. He’s looking like he’ll be a mainstay on the left side for years to come, as he’s only 26-years old. Bahl brings defensive stability and can also chip in a decent amount of offence as well. Either way, he’s grown into a great defensive defenseman since arriving in Calgary.
Zach Whitecloud
Zach Whitecloud was a part of the return the Flames received for Rasmus Andersson last season. He has already cemented himself as a fan favourite. He scored 10 points in 30 games with the Flames and has shown why he’s one of the more underrated defencemen in the league.
Despite this, Whitecloud could be on his way out of town if the Flames decide to trade him. Many fans initially saw Whitecloud as an asset whom the team could flip, but the team held on to him at the 2026 trade deadline. He’s a player who has already generated a lot of interest around the league. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could be dealt sooner rather than later.
Whitecloud still has three more years left on his deal, so there’s truly no rush to trade him. However, given Conroy’s recent moves, he’s shown that he’s not afraid to trade players when his asking price is met. It makes sense for the Flames to shop Whitecloud given his age and position as a right-shot defenceman, and depending on his play, he could net a decent return.
Simon Nemec
Conroy shocked Flames fans when he acquired 22-year-old defenceman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils. The former second-overall pick reportedly was interested in a change of scenery, and the Flames will allow him to showcase his elite and promising skill set.
The Flames later signed Nemec to a five-year, $36.25M contract. Nemec’s addition essentially solidifies the Flames’ right side for the future, and it’s clear that the team is quite high on him. Nemec has shown promise at the NHL level, but never truly lived up to the expectations for a second-overall pick. However, his utilization in New Jersey wasn’t optimal, which is why coming to Calgary should allow him to reach a new level.
Jacob Middleton
Recently acquired by the Flames in the Blake Coleman trade, Jacob Middleton is a veteran defenceman who will slot in on the Flames’ left side. His numbers won’t jump out at you, but he adds size and veteran leadership, which will be appreciated by younger players.
Middleton had no issue coming to Calgary, as it wasn’t on his no-trade list. He also still has three more years left on his deal, so there isn’t a rush to move him. To me, Middleton is likely a stopgap until a player like Carson Carels is ready to join the Flames full-time, which shouldn’t take long.
Joel Hanley
Joel Hanley is a player who has been surpassed on the depth chart. He likely acts as the Flames’ seventh defenceman. Hanley is a pending UFA, so a team may reach out to inquire about him if they’re desperate for depth defencemen.
Brayden Pachal
Similar to Hanley, Pachal is a player who will likely see himself in the press box for many nights. He may get more action on the bottom-pair, but it would be better to give those minutes to a player like Hunter Brzustewicz. Pachal is also a pending UFA.
Zayne Parekh
One thing Flames fans are most excited for is witnessing the growth of Zayne Parekh. Parekh had finished last season strong, and is expected to only get better from here on out. The expectation is that Parekh will be quarterbacking one of the Flames’ powerplay units full-time, and he’ll also likely get some more playing time on the left side following the acquisition of Nemec. Either way, Parekh’s growth and development into an elite offensive defenseman will be a major incentive for fans to tune into games next season.
Yan Kuznetsov
Yan Kuznetsov made a name for himself last season on the Flames’ bottom pair. Scoring 12 points in 57 games isn’t too shabby for the 24-year-old. He’s made a case for himself to continue playing on the Flames’ blueline full-time next season. For me, a pairing of Kuznetsov and Brzustewicz would be an intruging an optimal combination for a rebuilding team.
Hunter Brzustewicz
There’s no reason why Brzustewicz shouldn’t be with the Flames full-time next season. His play was promising, and he’s only bound to get better. Being only 21-years-old and with the team being in a full rebuild, now’s the time to let the kids run free to learn for their development. I’m still quite high on Brzustewicz even though the Flames’ top-four on the right side looks set for years to come.
Mike Benning
A depth signing, Mike Benning, is a 24-year-old right-shot defenceman who played 18 games with the Florida Panthers last season, scoring six points. He’ll likely see the majority of his time in the AHL for the Wranglers. Benning may get called up occasionally if injuries are a factor.
Abram Wiebe
Wiebe got the opportunity to play four NHL games last season. He’ll likely be joining the Wranglers next season, where he can take the next step in his development. Depending on his play, he could maybe see some more NHL action. Honestly, the Flames have nothing to lose by giving more young players NHL looks.
Andreas Englund
Another depth signing, Andreas Englund, will be joining his sixth NHL franchise in the Flames. He played three games for the Nashville Predators last season, as he spent the majority of his time in the AHL. That’s where you’ll likely find him next season as well.
Jake Livingstone
Similar to Englund, Jake Livingstone was another signing the Flames made for depth. He’ll be a regular in the AHL, as he hasn’t appeared in NHL games since the 2022-23 season.
Axel Hurtig
Axel Hurtig will be playing full-time for the Wranglers next season. He’s definitely a player to keep an eye on, as he’s had strong performances at various international tournaments for Sweden and played well with the Hitmen last season. He gets to stay in Calgary, having the opportunity to take the next step in his development.
Carson Carels
The Flames’ most prized blueliner right now, Carson Carels, was a home run of a pick by Craig Conroy. The left-shot defender was drafted 6th overall and had a dominating draft year with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. His play screams pure skill, and he’s also been praised for his strong leadership. With Carels also playing the left side, the Flames’ blueline is set for the future.
Carels will be committing to the University of North Dakota next season. In my opinion, it won’t be long until we see him in action for the Flames. This is a player fans should be excited for. His skill set and work ethic give him all the tools to become a top-pairing NHL defenceman.
Henry Mews
Henry Mews has been overlooked since the Flames have been adding to their prospect pool. But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be underestimated. Mews unfortunately had his season cut short due to injury, but is expected to be healthy for the upcoming season at the University of Michigan. Mews’ development will, however, be defined by whether he can remain healthy or if the injury bug continues to haunt the 2024 third-round pick.
Mace’o Phillips
A player who is silently becoming a fan favourite: Mace’o Phillips. Phillips continues to show his potential as a skilled shutdown defender who isn’t afraid to throw his weight around. Phillips looked good at the Flames’ development camp not too long ago, so there’s hope that he grows as a player, especially since he’s committed to the University of Minnesota for this upcoming season.
Eric Jamieson
Unsigned by the Flames currently, Eric Jamieson will continue to play at the University of Denver this upcoming season. I’m not too sure what the ceiling is, but he’ll have to put in a lot of work if he’s determined to go pro, given the amount of competition the Flames’ prospect pool has.
Bode Laylin
Bode Laylin is an unsigned prospect who was drafted in the sixth round of this year’s draft. He’ll be committing to the University of St. Thomas and is described as a defenceman with a strong hockey IQ.
Jakob Leander
Jakob Leander was drafted by the Flames in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Since then, he has played in Sweden. He’ll be coming to North America to play for the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen for the 2026-27 season.
Nikita Okhotyuk
A player many fans have likely forgotten about, Nikita Okhotyuk, was acquired by the Flames back in 2024, playing nine games. His rights are still held by the Flames, but he’s been in the KHL for the past two seasons and will remain there.
