NHL Offseason Maneuvering: The Perfection Strategy of Flames in 2025
Calgary Flames' Offseason Focuses on Youth and Stability
The Calgary Flames' 2025 NHL offseason was marked by a significant move and a strategic approach to building their future roster. The most notable decision was the seven-year contract extension for Matthew Coronato, signaling the team's confidence in him as a core piece of their future.
The deal, with an average annual value of $6.5 million, underscores the Flames' commitment to nurturing their young talent rather than pursuing major offseason trades or free-agent signings. Coronato is expected to become a key offensive contributor, trusted in critical game situations, and potentially a player around whom the team’s system can revolve.
Beyond Coronato's extension, the Flames' offseason was relatively quiet, with only minor moves. They signed Ivan Prosvetov to replace departing backup goalie Dan Vladar and re-signed Morgan Frost for two more years. Notably, they did not trade away Rasmus Andersson or Nazem Kadri, indicating an organizational choice to maintain continuity and prioritize internal development.
Looking ahead, the Flames have highly regarded prospects such as defenseman Parekh, who may crack the roster this season, further underpinning their youth-driven strategy. The team narrowly missed the 2024-25 playoffs and is aiming for a playoff spot in 2026 by improving their core players rather than seeking quick fixes through aggressive offseason moves.
Elsewhere in the Flames' roster, Adam Klapka, a physical forward from the Czech Republic, secured a two-year contract extension. Klapka, who broke into the NHL for the first time in 2023-24, scored six goals and added four assists in 37 games during the 2024-25 season. His contract is worth $1.25 million per year.
Kevin Bahl, a defenseman who was acquired by the Flames, had an impressive season with the New Jersey Devils in 2024-25, amassing 109 hits and blocking 116 shots. However, he was traded to the Flames before making it to the NHL, and his contract with the team is for six years. Bahl made his NHL debut in 2021-22, playing in 17 games.
Despite being traded, Bahl did not disappoint in New Jersey. In 2022-23, he became a mainstay on the Devils' roster, playing all 82 games. During the 2023-24 season, he scored once and added ten assists for the Devils. Unfortunately, the Flames missed the playoffs in 2024-25, despite being tied in points with the St. Louis Blues for the last playoff spot, due to a tiebreaker.
Meanwhile, Dan Vladar, the Flames' backup goaltender, moved to the Philadelphia Flyers during the offseason. The Flames will need to find a suitable replacement for Vladar as they look to improve their roster for the 2026 season.
The Calgary Flames' decision to pass on major offseason trades and free-agent signings in favor of nurturing their young talent did not preclude them from making moves entirely. They traded for Kevin Bahl, a physical defenseman with a six-year contract, from the New Jersey Devils.
The hockey world buzzed with rumors regarding potential trades involving key players Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri, but the Flames opted for continuity, keeping both players in the team.
As the 2026 NHL playoffs approach, the Flames are banking on the draft and their prospect pool, including defenseman Parekh, to bolster their offensive capabilities and propel them into the playoffs.
