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Where could Flames rookies fit within 2026-27 special teams units?
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Photo credit: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Paige Humphrey
Aug 5, 2026, 12:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 3, 2026, 20:20 EDT
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The Calgary Flames might finally be out of the worst of the rebuild, and with a roster full of young athletes, what special teams could Ryan Huska create with the new roster? The goal is to make fast, defensive and skilled special teams groups that can help ensure the Flames can keep control of the game as much as possible.

Zayne Parekh and Simon Nemec on the power play

These two powerful and driven players are a popular duo for Flames fans right now. Both Zayne Parekh and Simon Nemec naturally excel at moving the puck and creating opportunities for their teammates, or themselves, to score. They both are natural leaders which would allow them to both control the power play, making it incredibly difficult for the other team to get past. 
They have different styles, but they have a clear opportunity to work together seamlessly. Nemec is more thoughtful about his plays, rarely forcing anything and waiting for the perfect moment to strike, while Parekh is a more aggressive player. These two styles together create an organic transition. Nemec sets up the play, and Parekh finishes it off. 
Nemec gives the play control and stability, while Parekh finishes the attack. This combo is something that the Flames have been lacking on the power play for a long time. 

Matvei Gridin, Jonathan Huberdeau and Tyson Gross on the power play

Having a veteran player like Jonathan Huberdeau out with two younger players, Matvei Gridin and Tyson Gross, would create a lineup with a clear identity and outcome goal. Huberdeau would be able to slow down the play while setting up Gridin for a one timer or Gross for a tight shot on net. 
Gridin and Gross accompanying Huberdeau can also help increase the speed of the play when needed, when Huberdeau cannot. Huberdeau, acting as the leader in this trio, has the potential to create a number of scoring opportunities for both younger guys. 

Jonathan Huberdeau, Matvei Gridin and Yegor Sharangovich on the power play

In this lineup, Huberdeau could act as the primary playmaker, Gridin as a middleman (playmaker or shooter) and Yegor Sharangovich as the primary shooter. 
Sharangovich is a natural shooter. He is comfortable picking up a pass and immediately releasing it into the net. He does not overthink his shot, which leads to him consistently finding gaps in the players and shooting the puck into the back of the net. 
Huberdeau being a much slower player allows the younger guys to excel while he creates a slower pace of play and keeps the play in order. 
Gridin works well with these two players because he can be both a playmaker and a shooter. He brings the other’s strengths together, creating a seamless trio on the power play. Him not having a clear role in this lineup allows him the opportunity to attack the seams, be quick on the transition and open himself up for passes. 

Carson Carels and Simon Nemec on penalty kill

[Editor’s Note: There’s a pretty strong likelihood that Carson Carels signs his entry-level deal with the Flames at the conclusion of the upcoming college season.]
Both Carson Carels and Nemec have high hockey IQs, which would make them a logical pairing on the penalty kill. Both are excellent at reading plays early on and setting themselves up to attack. Carels would be able to provide net-front coverage, while Nemec goes deeper into the play to try and regain puck possession. 
Nemec is great at finding passing lanes, ensuring he could bring the puck back up to the players in the offensive zone, making him perfect to have out on the kill. 
Both athletes are very good at remaining composed in high pressure situations, which is an asset that is coveted while running a penalty kill. Neither player has the tendency to scramble, which is how the other team finds holes to make a play. 

Zayne Parekh and Simon Nemec on the penalty kill

This is a more risky duo to run on the penalty kill right now, but it has the opportunity to grow into something that is unmatched. Parekh has an innate ability to read plays, which is essential for a defenceman on the penalty kill. Nemec is a more experienced defenceman who could aid Parekh when he may become a bit scattered in high-intensity scenarios. 
Both players have great puck retrieval, which could help them to ensure the puck stays out of their zone as much as possible. Due to Parekh being a very ambitious player, there is also the opportunity for him to be able to move the puck up out of the defensive zone quickly, and even potentially get a shot off. 
Overall, this duo is likely better suited to be on the power play, but it could be interesting to see how they work together on the kill. 
How would you like to see Ryan Huska and the Flames’ staff utilize young players on special teams? Let us know in the comments!

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