In advance of the frenzy of activity upcoming at the 2026 NHL Draft, the Calgary Flames have taken care of a bit of internal business.

On Thursday afternoon, the club announced the re-signings of a pair of pending restricted free agents. Forwards Sam Morton and Rory Kerins have been re-upped on one year, two-way deals for the 2026-27 season, both worth $850,000 (league minimum) at the National Hockey League level.

Per our colleagues at PuckPedia, Morton’s deal carries a $200,000 AHL salary and $225,000 guaranteed earnings overall, while Kerins will receive $250,000 at the AHL level and $290,000 in guaranteed salary overall. Morton will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent at the expiry of his deal, while Kerins will be eligible to become a Group 6 free agent unless he plays 71 NHL games in 2026-27.

The 26-year-old Morton joined the Flames as a college free agent signing in the spring of 2024. A product of Lafayette, Colorado, he spent four seasons at Minnesota State University Mankato, including captaining the team during his senior year. In two seasons of pro hockey he’s been pretty useful for the Wranglers at the AHL level and shown some promise in limited appearances at the NHL level, posting a goal in four games with the Flames over the past two years. He had 38 points in 68 games with the Wranglers last season, along with zero points in three NHL games.

The 24-year-old Kerins was a sixth-round selection of the Flames in 2020 and he’s quietly emerged as one of the organization’s most interesting young players. His first two pro seasons were nothing to write home about and he seemed destined for a departure when his entry-level deal expired, but he really impressed in 2024-25. In his “show me” season, he had 61 points in 63 AHL games with the Wranglers and received his first NHL games ever, posting four points in five games. This past season he had 57 points in 56 AHL games and zero points in four NHL appearances.

At the very least, re-upping Morton and Kerins give the Flames two reliable, consistent producers at the AHL level. But considering both of those players have done so well with the Wranglers, we wouldn’t be shocked if they continue to push for NHL looks this season – especially with the fourth-line centre spot for the Flames seemingly up for grabs.

With these signings, the Flames have 36 players under contract for 2026-27 and 10 remaining pending restricted free agents. Qualifying offers are due by Monday at 3 p.m. MT.