When the Calgary Flames traded Blake Coleman to the Minnesota Wild, they took back defenceman Jake Middleton as a sort of cap dump. Middleton was known as a solid depth defender who could provide a physical presence and solid veteran leadership. After all, the Flames really had nothing to lose by taking Middleton’s contract back, given the team’s cap-flexible cap situation and that they’re in a rebuild. Despite that, while it’s still early into the 2026–27 season, Middleton’s start with the Flames has been nothing short of a disaster.
Middleton hasn’t given a good first impression with the Flames
Let’s not deny that the Flames, as a team, have been quite miserable to watch so far, so it’s not surprising that multiple players on the team have struggled out of the gates. However, when it comes to Middleton specifically, his poor performance has been noticeable to fans.
In five games, Middleton remains pointless and has a -5 rating. His advertised attributes of physicality have virtually been non-existent so far, and his defensive play hasn’t been strong either. It’s worrying, especially since Middleton’s most prominent partner so far has been Zayne Parekh, and the last thing the Flames need is their starting defenceman having a partner who is more of a liability than an asset.
Advanced stats are painting an ugly picture
Middleton’s early advanced numbers haven’t helped his case, either. He’s posted a 44 percent expected goals share, down from 51 percent last season with Minnesota. His relative Corsi has also dropped from -3.5 to -11.8, suggesting the Flames have struggled to control play with him on the ice compared to when he’s on the bench.
Of course, five games are hardly enough to draw definitive conclusions about a player, particularly on a team that’s struggled across the board. Still, the early returns are concerning for a defenceman brought in to provide stability and a physical presence on the back end.
Veterans need to step up more during a rebuild like this
The concern surrounding Middleton stems from Calgary’s current situation. The Flames are in a rebuild, and their priority should be developing young talent while identifying players who can contribute to the team’s long-term future. Middleton is a veteran whose experience should make him a reliable presence during that process. Instead, his start has raised questions about whether he can provide the defensive reliability Calgary needs right now.
His pairing with Parekh is particularly important in that regard. Parekh’s offensive instincts and puck-moving ability are valuable assets, but young defencemen need dependable partners who can help cover defensive responsibilities and limit mistakes. If Middleton isn’t holding up his end of the bargain, it puts additional pressure on Parekh and risks making an already difficult adjustment to the NHL even harder.
It’s still early in the 2026–27 season, and Middleton has time to turn things around. A five-game sample shouldn’t define his tenure in Calgary, especially when the team as a whole has struggled. But the Flames need more from a veteran defenceman expected to bring physicality, composure and defensive stability to their lineup.
For now, Middleton’s start has been nothing short of bad. If Calgary hopes to get the most out of its young core during this rebuild, it needs its veteran players to provide stability rather than become another problem to solve. While expectations weren’t high for Middleton in the first place, the Flames’ poor start isn’t an excuse for any player to not perform to the best of their ability. If Middleton doesn’t get it together, could waivers be in the cards for him?
