The missed opportunity Calgary Flames failed to capitalize on during the 2025 NHL offseason
Calgary Flames Seek Scoring Boost in 2025 NHL Free Agency
The Calgary Flames entered the 2025 NHL Free Agency with a realistic chance of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but their roster could benefit from additional scoring depth. Despite Jack Roslovic's career-best scoring season, he remains on the market.
Several potential wingers were available who could have strengthened the Flames' roster. Vyacheslav Tsyplakov, a winger transitioning from the KHL, was one such candidate. Tsyplakov, who scored 31 goals in 65 KHL games, boasts confidence in his all-around play, including speed and backchecking. Luke Evangelista, a 23-year-old right winger with NHL experience, was another potential addition. Evangelista, who scored 33 goals and 86 points in 172 games, could provide cost-effective depth scoring.
Rumours swirled about a potential blockbuster trade involving the Flames acquiring a high-profile winger from the Dallas Stars on a large contract in exchange for defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Though this was speculative, it indicates the Flames’ interest in adding a top-six, high-salary winger.
However, other top wingers such as Adrian Kempe and Matt Boldy were not free agents available to the Flames this year. The Flames also have promising prospects, but these are primarily defensemen and not immediate winger additions.
The Flames' 2025 season was promising, with Nazem Kadri scoring 35 goals. Victor Olofsson is a name that could make sense for the Flames. Jonathan Huberdeau showed improvement after a difficult start in Calgary. Despite these positive developments, the Flames may still be a move or two away from truly establishing themselves as postseason contenders.
The Flames were relatively quiet during the offseason, making only the signings of Ivan Prosvetov to replace Dan Vladar and re-signing Morgan Frost, who came over from the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade. Dustin Wolf emerged as one of the best young goalies in the NHL.
The Flames will hope to build upon their 2025 success and make a strong push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. With strategic additions to their roster, they could solidify their position as a formidable force in the league.
During the 2025 NHL Free Agency, the Calgary Flames were rumored to be pursuing high-salary wingers, with trade talks involving the Dallas Stars’ star winger circulating. Despite the lack of available top wingers like Adrian Kempe and Matt Boldy, the Flames could still benefit from additional scoring depth, such as the draft pick Luke Evangelista or the experienced Vyacheslav Tsyplakov transitioning from the KHL. The Flames' 2026 season aspirations include a stronger push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which might be achievable with strategic roster additions in sports like hockey, especially in the position of a winger.
