logo
FlamesNation has no direct affiliation to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Can Wranglers captain Clark Bishop find another level in his game?
alt
Photo credit: David Moll/Calgary Wranglers
Paige Siewert
Sep 27, 2025, 08:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 26, 2025, 22:52 EDT
Comments
Last season was quite the impressive year for Calgary Wranglers captain Clark Bishop. He put up career numbers and made his first NHL appearance in three seasons. On top of that, he also scored his first NHL goal in over six years. As we approach a new season, is it possible we’ve seen the best we’re going to get out of him? If so, is that such a bad thing?

Meets expectations

The expectations for Bishop are similar to what they were last year. Most of his value is tied to his leadership capabilities, experiences winning a Calder Cup and playing over 50 games in the NHL. He will be a guy to motivate the team in the highs and lows they face over the course of a season and won’t be afraid to be the difference maker if given the opportunity. Bishop finished last season with 38 points in 66 games, split between 19 goals and 19 assists. 
He has the potential to do similar numbers as last year but that’s not necessarily what is expected of him. If he is able to lift up players like Sam Honzek and provide opportunities for young guys, the production numbers are a secondary priority. 

Exceeds expectations

If Bishop is to exceed expectations, he would either match his 2024-25 production or improve it. Clark Bishop is on a two-way deal so the realm of possibility of playing in the NHL is not impossible. He might be able to play some more games with the Flames again. 
The chances of him being an everyday NHLer are very slim at this point but he could be sent for stretches of time if the Flames are running low on centres. He could be useful for them to be a fourth line grinder or a penalty killer. Last season, he played in six games with the Flames, generated one point and finished with a -2 rating. 
Another way he could overachieve would be to be an impact point producer at the AHL level. He proved in the first half of last season that he can be the guy when the game is on the line. He scored three game-winning goals in a row in the last week of October and finished the year with seven game-winning goals. If some of the regular top liners make the Flames, go down with injuries or if the new guys have shaky starts, all of a sudden your captain could be one of the guys on the ice the most. With more ice time comes more opportunities to score. 

Below expectations

To underperform this year, Bishop would have to pretty much fall off the radar on the team. I can’t see him neglecting his leadership role at any point so that isn’t a consideration but being passed over by prospects is something that could happen on the ice. Bishop will get playing time regardless of his output, but maybe he sits some games out or falls to the fourth line if he is not able to help the team as much as some of his other teammates. 
Overall, the Clark Bishop extension from the summer was the right move and a good signing for both Calgary and Bishop. He wants to win and knows how to motivate his group and will certainly be ready to do that again in his fourth year with the team and second year as captain.

PRESENTED BY THE DAILY FACEOFF SURVIVOR POOL

Think you’ve got what it takes to outlast everyone else? Test your hockey smarts in the Daily Faceoff Survivor Pool — a high-stakes game of elimination with a $2,500 grand prize for the last fan standing. The contest continues until there’s only one survivor — and that winner takes it all. Are you ready to survive? Sign up now and make your picks!

Editorials

Breaking News