logo
FlamesNation has no direct affiliation to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
FN AHL Report Cards: Parker Bell’s results didn’t match the effort he put in last season
alt
Photo credit: Angela Burger/Calgary Wranglers
Paige Siewert
Jun 15, 2026, 14:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 15, 2026, 02:08 EDT
Comments
Parker Bell wasn’t the new guy on the Calgary Wranglers anymore this season. He was eyed as a player with a lot of potential in his contract year and hoped for a breakout performance to put himself in a more favourable position among potential forward call-ups. The 6’5” 22 year old winger, showcased his physical role very well this season but would’ve liked to see more for himself on the production side of things.

What were the expectations for Parker Bell in 2025-26?

This season was set to be Bell’s second full season with the Wranglers and one he’d like to build on the points and physical game he was showing in 2024-25. He burned a year of his entry level contract in 2023-24 in a fall signing and opted to spend most of that year in the WHL with the Tri-City Americans. He got a couple of games with the Wranglers prior to last year but this upcoming season was where the most pressure was on. 
Based on the evaluation of last season, eyes were on Bell to make some improvements to his speed, positioning and scoring. His back to back 64 point seasons in the WHL are hard to ignore when you consider his adjustment to the AHL. He seemed to be a player who could have a Rory Kerins type emergence and surprise in the 2025-26 season. 
In his first full season in the AHL, Bell had seven goals and five assists through 61 games. With the physical aspect of his game including a couple of fights in the back half of the season, growing over the year, he finished the 2024-25 season with 33 PIM’s.

How did Parker Bell perform in 2025-26?

Bell was one of the players who really suffered the consequences of the type of season the Wranglers had. In a year where he would’ve wanted to emerge and grow as a pro, he was struggling to find success and link points together despite the effort he was putting in to do so. Bell was named as one of the alternate captains in the Next Gen Showcase back in mid-September but was an early cut in the Flames’ training camp.
He didn’t get off to a hot start with the Wranglers and was optioned out of the lineup at times. As November and December went on, you could see his effort and desperation to score. At times, he showed frustration, but finally got that monkey off his back on Dec. 19 against the San Diego Gulls.
Bell only scored two more times over the rest of the season and finished the year with half the point production he had in his previous season. The number of games he played in also dropped from 61 to 53. In his 53 appearances with the Wranglers, he had three goals and three assists. His PIMs landed about the same and he still showed his physicality and fighting skills in select games over the season.
The team regards him as one of the hardest hitters on the squad and beyond that, he is also a very good cultural fit. He’s gotten pretty close with the likes of Rory Kerins, Hunter Brzustewicz and William Stromgren and being in that group as the only guy without NHL games, is something that he is aware of but doesn’t bring him down. Bell said:
“Yeah for sure it’s always in the back of your mind. I think everyone wants to play in the NHL. It’s really cool seeing those guys get their opportunities. All well deserved for all of them. It’s really cool to see your friends live their dream.”

What’s the future outlook for Parker Bell?

Parker Bell’s future in this organization feels a little bit in the balance. His upside in pro hockey has yet to be completely shown with the Wranglers and it feels like there is another gear he has available in his game. His stature and physicality set him apart and a season in the AHL with better game results could do wonders for his confidence. As a potential restricted free agent, it’s up to the Flames to decide if they want to continue to develop Bell or set him loose to another organization. 
At Wranglers’ exit interviews, Bell owned the fact that his season was not to his liking but continued to show effort. He was also frequently one of the players putting in extra time at the end of practice. Bell said:
“I always try my hardest and try to work as hard as I can. Things didn’t go my way this year and I think a lot of guys can say that but for me, especially, didn’t really go my way but at least you know, I put all my effort into it.”
As far as off-season tweaking goes, he said:
“It’s a cliche answer. Just gotta get stronger, make plays quicker. Be better off the walls.”
Parker Bell was successful in adapting and improving his positioning around the net and his skating, especially. He is coachable and a down season for him and the team doesn’t define him completely as a player.

This Article is a presentation of LeaseBusters

LeaseBusters is Canada’s premier lease takeover marketplace, helping drivers get out of their current vehicle leases without costly penalties or negative equity. Instead of paying thousands to break a lease, sellers connect with qualified buyers ready to take it over—saving money and avoiding financial stress. Buyers benefit from shorter-term commitments and often better monthly payments, while dealerships retain a replacement customer and leasing companies keep contracts active. It’s a smarter, more efficient solution for everyone involved. Four parties, four wins—only with LeaseBusters.  For more information, check out www.LeaseBusters.com
Editorials
MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Breaking News