Phil Housley Records

There aren’t many former Flames with NHL records, at least in the positive sense. One such man, though, is Phil Housley.

Housley had two spells for the Flames, the first in the mid-90s, and the second in the late 90s/early 2000s. The defenceman’s stats for the Flames were respectable. In his first spell, he played 102 games, getting 95 points. In his second, he played 226 games, gaining 143 points.

Throughout his career, he posted respectable point totals over 23 years. During that career, he set two very specific records, and they’re now under threat.

Almost fittingly, one record is under threat by one of the NHL’s most consistent performers. A young gun is eyeing the other with many years to come. But what are the records that are potentially getting broken?

Patrick Kane – three assists away

Patrick Kane seems to have been around forever. Drafted first overall in 2007, Kane has returned to the Blackhawks, where he spent most of his career.

Kane currently sits at an excellent 892 assists, just two shy of tying Housley’s 894. Housley currently holds the record for the most NHL assists by an American-born NHL player. If he were to achieve that, he would overtake Housley and sit 21st overall in terms of NHL assists.

Once he passes Housley, former Flames Al MacInnes will also be in sight this season, who sits on 934. He could, theoretically, also overtake another former Flame, Doug Gilmour, this season, but he’d require 72 assists for that, which is unlikely.

Matthew Schaefer – 24 goals away

Drafted just over twelve months ago by the Islanders, Matthew Schaefer is chasing down another Housley record. Housley scored 46 goals by a defenceman before the age of 20. No one else has come close until now.

Schaefer turned 19 on 5th September, giving him the entire 2026–27 season to score 24 goals, while Housley finished his teen years with 46.

Compared to the assists record that is threatened by Patrick Kane, this one feels significantly safer, however. To be able to reach 24 goals this season, Schaefer would have to be near constantly on the ice to stand a realistic chance.

That being said, Phil Housley’s NHL record for most goals by an 18-year-old blue-liner was broken by Schaefer, so never say never.

Summary

I think we can safely say that the assist record for an American-born skater is going to be broken. I can’t see a scenario where Kane doesn’t get at least three assists this season, especially with Connor Bedard leading their line.

The goal-scoring record for an under-twenty defenceman seems someone safer, however. Schaefer would have to have a Cale Makar-level season to even stand a chance, and it’s debatable that Schaefer is at that level.

I suppose the bigger question really is… does Phil Housley even care?