The Calgary Flames are a little over a month away from one last ride in the Scotiabank Saddledome heading into 2026–27. For a team that’s currently in an awkward stage, you can bet there will be players who aim to take that next step.
Here are five players who we expect to shine for the Calgary Flames in 2026–27.
5. Matt Coronato
Matt Coronato will have big shoes to fill heading into next season. With Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman gone, the Flames are in need of a new top scorer. Coronato has shown flashes of being a top-level scoring threat, with his signature lightning-fast wrist shot. Coronato was a bit snake-bitten at times last season, struggling to find the back of the net. The forward put up 18 goals and 27 assists in 80 games for Calgary last season. Most had their fingers crossed that Coronato would hit the 30-goal mark in 2025–26 after his 24-goal campaign in 2024–25.
Craig Conroy and staff see Coronato as a big piece of the future in Calgary; at 23 years old, we haven’t even seen the best Matt Coronato yet. It’s safe to predict that Coronato will step in a big way next season for the Flames. With an increase in ice time and his wicked release, we expect big things from Coronato heading into next season.
4. Matvei Gridin
Since being drafted 28th overall by the Flames in the 2024 draft, Matvei Gridin of Kurgan, Russia, has brought a level of swagger to the Calgary Flames we aren’t used to seeing. Gridin scored in his NHL debut against the Edmonton Oilers in last season’s opener, getting the attention of Flames fans early. Gridin had a promising rookie season, posting six goals and 14 assists in 37 games played last season. One of Gridin’s biggest strengths is his calm demeanour and sense of confidence.
The 20-year-old has lofty goals for next season, informing Ryan Huska that he intends to lead the Flames in goals for 2026–27.
“At one point, he looked at me and said he was going to lead our team in scoring next year, straight face. If you and I are looking at each other, it was kind of a five-second stare-off. Nobody’s smirking or smiling; then I kind of smiled and gave a little chuckle, and he again, straight-faced, said, What?”
– Ryan Huska
Gridin’s chemistry with fellow Flames rookie Zayne Parekh is something to keep an eye on as well. Both Gridin and Parekh have unreal vision and shot, putting both of them on the Flames’ top power play unit going into next year could be a recipe for success. Whether Gridin will reach his goal of being the Flames’ top goal scorer for next season or not, He has a bright season ahead of him.
3. Simon Nemec
Simon Nemec hasn’t even dressed for the Calgary Flames yet, but the expectations have never been higher for the former 2nd overall pick. Craig Conroy gave up a lot of assets to nab Nemec from the New Jersey Devils earlier this summer, giving up two first-round picks, a 2nd round pick and a prospect. Acquiring Nemec was a very high-risk, high-reward move from the start.
Nemec has always had an offensive flair, similar to his new teammate Zayne Parekh. He put up 11 goals and 15 assists in 68 games last year for the Devils. He scored his first career hat trick this past season against the Chicago Blackhawks, showcasing his offensive prowess. Nemec’s biggest weakness is in his own zone, so it’s up to Flames coaches to help him get more comfortable on the back end.
Nemec will most likely play quarterback for either the Flames’ 1st or 2nd power play unit, with Zayne Parekh as the QB on the other. The Flames signed Nemec to a five-year $36.25M deal that runs through 2030–31 and carries an AAV of $$7.25M. All eyes will be on Nemec when he makes his debut with the Flames this October.
2. Zayne Parekh
Zayne Parekh has had a lot of ups and downs throughout his young NHL career. From being drafted 9th overall by the Flames in 2024 to being the team’s new top defenceman, he has a lot of weight on his shoulders. Parekh has faced a lot of undue criticism since gearing up with the Flames, with “he’s not big enough,” “he can’t defend,” and “he’s not ready” being hurled around quite a bit.
Parekh spent a lot of 2025–26 in the press box or stapled to a line with an aging Joel Hanley. Given that both Mackenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson are gone, Parekh will be getting top-pairing minutes going forward. An increase in ice time is exactly what Zayne needs to really silence his critics. Parekh’s offensive game is on another level. His growing chemistry with Matvei Gridin has Flames fans excited.
“Hopefully, we’ll play for 15 more years together and generate a lot.”
– Matvei Gridin
But like Simon Nemec, his defensive game could use some work. Whether that’s packing on some weight or learning some pointers from a guy like Kevin Bahl, we’re excited to see how Parekh’s game takes shape this season.
1. Yegor Sharangovich
Clocking in at number one on our list is Belarus’s Yegor Sharangovich. Sharangovich is miles away from his 31-goal, 59-point season from 2023–24 that earned him a brand new contract. Sharangovich has arguably one of the best releases on the Flames roster, but his overall game has really struggled since the aforementioned 2023–24 season.
Since that season, Sharangovich has scored 32 goals and 29 assists. Definitely not what fans and management were expecting. The talent is there for Yegor, but the fears that he may have been a “one-season wonder” are starting to creep in. Despite being locked up until 2030 with an AAV of $5.750M, it could be “shape up or ship out” for Sharangovich heading into this season.
At this point, his contract is nearly immovable, but that doesn’t stop the Flames from throwing him on waivers or permanently demoting him to the third and fourth lines. If utilized properly, Sharangovich could possibly be that 30-goal scorer again; finding the right line-mates and playing to Yegor’s strengths are crucial. Expect Sharangovich to continue to make appearances on the power play this year, as the coaching staff attempts to put his elite shot to work.
With numerous veterans off the team, here’s hoping Sharangovich can step up in the 2026–27 season.
You must be logged in to post a comment.