Normally, when you’re included on a list that includes Wayne Gretzky, it’s a good thing. However, in Ryan Huska’s case, it’s pretty much the opposite.
Since he was appointed the 24th head coach in Flames history three years ago, Ryan Huska has failed to make the playoffs. This puts him among the head coaches with the most games coaching one team without making the playoffs. As of October 5th, 2026, he now sits fifth on the list.
While there are mitigating circumstances, it’s still a list that Huska won’t want to be on. In fact, if Huska sees out the season as Flames head coach, he will actually set the new record, beating out Gretzky. That is, of course, assuming that the Flames don’t make the Playoffs, which seems quite likely given the start to the season.
Who else is in the top five then?
Gretzky leads the list with 328 games in Phoenix between 2005 and 2009. The Great One was arguably the best player in history, but as a head coach, he wasn’t suited to it.
Behind him by eleven games is DJ Smith, who headed up Ottawa between 2019 and 2023. Anaheim Ducks’ Dallas Eakins ended his four-year stint in 2023 after 291 games.
Don Granato completes the pre-Huska part of the list with 274 games in charge of Buffalo, which ended two years ago.
Interestingly, every single one of the above organizations made the playoffs relatively shortly after the aforementioned coaches left.
Can the Flames actually make the playoffs this year?
Mathematically, it’s not impossible, but it’s looking exceptionally unlikely.
Calgary was already one of the favourites to struggle this season, and that was before their poor start. Two 6–1 defeats to Seattle and a 4–1 reverse in Vancouver see the Flames 0–3 so far.
Let’s be blunt about it. This Flames team isn’t currently capable of making the playoffs. Even if you ignore the Huska aspect, this team is a bottom-of-the-league candidate.
Why is Huska under pressure given the circumstances?
One of the main criticisms of Ryan Huska is his over-reliance on veterans, seemingly reluctant to give youth a chance, only doing so when he has no other choice. As the Flames rebuild, many have questioned whether he is the man to lead the charge. One of the main concerns comes with the multiple first-round picks coming into the organization over the next few years.
Some have likened it to how Art Howe was portrayed as head coach of the Oakland Athletics in “Moneyball”. In that film, Howe was portrayed as a man who refused to play the (on paper) better players. It was only when his favoured players were traded away that he was forced to play the others.
Sound familiar?
While it’s his prerogative to put whomever he wants on the ice, many have questioned if he is the man to handle all of the future talent, such as Carson Carels.
What’s crazy is that Huska came really close to not being on the list at all, almost making the playoffs in his first season, only missing out in the final game.
So, what are the chances of Huska setting the new record?
Huska is in an unusual position, as Craig Conroy has not openly criticized him at any point. Quite the opposite, in fact. Conroy has stated several times that he has faith in Huska and trusts the process.
Realistically, no one expects the Flames to make the playoffs. Huska can rely on that expectation if the levels of dissatisfaction increase amongst the fanbase. He will set the record by the end of the season if he is still in a job come game 84. With minimal signs that he’s going anywhere, especially as his contract covers next season too.
There is a world in which Huska not only sets the record, but actually creates a new record that is hard to beat going forward.
A bigger question would be… would Huska get another head coach job if he breaks the record?
You must be logged in to post a comment.