There are a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to the Calgary Flames heading into the 2025-26 season. Where are the goals going to come from? Who is the long term backup goalie behind Dustin Wolf? What is going to happen to Rasmus Andersson? There is a lot going on around this team.

But if you’re looking for some consistently. If you’re looking for predictability. Look no further than Blake Coleman.

The Texas native has been one of the most consistent players on the Flames over his four years in Southern Alberta. I think we can expect something similar from him this season. That’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler.

The soon to be 34 year old is entering his fifth season in Calgary after signing a six year contract in 2021. He has provided a lot of value both on and off the ice over that time and we can expect to see that continue.

From a production standpoint, it is fair to expect Coleman to put up 15-20 goals and 33-39 points, every similar to his output in three of his four seasons in Calgary. The 2023-24 season was a career year and an outlier. I don’t think we will see that type of production from Coleman again.

Away from the puck is where Coleman really earns his $4.9 million salary. We can expect to see him alongside Mikael Backlund both at 5-on-5 and the penalty kill. They will take on the most difficult match-ups playing against the oppositions top lines. Not only do they take on those match-ups, they win them. That duo has been wildly successful in their defensive shut down role.

It’s reasonable for Flames fans to expect Coleman to produce similar defensive results this season, like he has in the last three years.

Off the ice, Coleman is part of a Flames leadership core that has played a huge role in turning the culture of this organization around from one where people wanted to leave, to one people want to stay. I expect him to continue being a mentor to young forwards like Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, and Matvei Gridin.

The one thing that might get in the way of Coleman not meeting expectations this season is father time.

Coleman will turn 34 years old on Nov. 28. That is the age when some players start to slow down. Will we see that with Coleman? We might. But there is a good chance he is able to continue to be an effective player.

Coleman played his first full NHL season in New Jersey as a 27 year old. He has played in 624 games. He should have plenty of tread left on his tires.

A couple things would have to happen for Coleman to have a down year.

First, Coleman would need to produce at a 30 point pace or less over the course of 82 games. Coleman has consistently been a 30+ point player. The Flames will need him to continue that pace.

Secondly, his defensive results would have to take a hit. Coleman has been one of the best analytical players on the Flames over the last three seasons. He would be playing below expectations if those key stats like CF%, SCF%, HDCF%, and xGF% all fall below 50%.

If those things happen, Coleman could be passed on the Flames depth chart by one of the many left handed wingers in the organization.

Could you imagine if Coleman was able to repeat his 2023-24 campaign? That is the definition of the rugged winger exceeding expectations this season.

Anything above 45 points would be an incredible accomplishment. Especially when you consider Coleman’s age and the competition he is going to be playing against on a nightly basis.

He’s done it before, why can’t he do it again? Now, they call them career years for a reason. But who knows? Maybe Coleman can replicate his success from two years ago.

It certainly would help a Calgary Flames that struggled to score goals last season.

Coleman is still an important member of the Flames both on and off the ice. It’s going to be interesting to see what his future looks like as he only has two years remaining on his contract. If the Flames are good, you can almost guarantee he will remain with the club this season. But if they struggle, he could be a great fit on a contending team. He is the type of player and person you want on your team when competing for a Stanley Cup.

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