The topic of trading Rasmus Andersson has been heavily debated among Flames fans throughout the season. Valid points have been made by both sides, and regardless of how the saga ends, the fan base will likely remain divided.

With much of the recent focus on one player, let’s take a step back and examine how the Flames’ defence lines up beyond this season.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the Flames have five defencemen under contract.

MacKenzie Weegar is signed through 2031 and should be a mainstay on the Flames’ blue line for the foreseeable future.

Rasmus Andersson is signed through next season. While no decision on his future has been made, it may be safe to assume he might not remain on the roster next season or, at the very least, not for its entirety.

Both Daniil Miromanov and Jake Bean have one year remaining on their deals. Are they considered full-time NHL players? Based on this season, the answer would likely be no—though both are capable of holding down a regular spot in the lineup if called upon.

Brayden Pachal signed a contract extension in December. Pachal should continue to be a solid third-pairing defenceman throughout his contract, which is set to expire in 2027.

Lastly, 24-year-old Kevin Bahl is an RFA at the end of this season. Bahl’s performance this year should earn him a favourable contract. His size and physicality should secure his spot in the Flames’ defensive core for years to come.

The Calgary Wranglers boast several defencemen eyeing a shot at the NHL, including some who have already had a taste of it.

Ilya Solovyov has played ten NHL games, recording three assists. Solovyov is the likeliest of Wranglers defencemen to be called up if needed. He should remain a solid depth option through the 2025-26 season.

Hunter Brzustewicz is a notable prospect acquired in the Elias Lindholm trade a year ago. While Brzustewicz has yet to see NHL action, he is expected to be ready to make the jump as early as next season.

Jeremie Poirier was a name many expected to make his NHL debut last season. Unfortunately, Poirier suffered a skate laceration that cost him significant playing time. As an RFA after this season, it will be interesting to see how the Flames incorporate Poirier into their future plans.

Jonathan Aspirot recently represented the Calgary Flames while playing for Team Canada in the Spengler Cup. Aspirot had 33 points in 66 games with the Wranglers last year. As a Group 6 UFA after this season, the Flames could consider bringing the 25-year-old back and giving him a further shot to see NHL time.

Other Wranglers defencemen such as Artem Grushnikov, Joni Jurmo, and Yan Kuznetsov will likely remain in the AHL beyond this season. While they shouldn’t be written off as future contributors, the backlog of defencemen vying for limited spots makes it difficult to envision their immediate NHL impact without standout performances.

The Flames have several exciting defensive prospects currently excelling in the CHL.

Zayne Parekh is a name all Flames fans know. The ninth overall pick in last year’s draft is looking like a star in the making. After leading all OHL defencemen in goals and points a year ago, Parekh is currently second in OHL goals and fourth in points among defencemen. Parekh should receive a healthy opportunity to make the Flames’ roster next season. Even if he doesn’t, it likely won’t be long before he’s a regular in the lineup.

Henry Mews has skyrocketed up the Flames’ prospect rankings this season. The third-round pick is currently leading all OHL defencemen in points. It’s expected the Flames will be patient with Mews, allowing him to develop further for another year or two. However, if he continues his incredible play, he could force the Flames’ hand sooner rather than later.

Etienne Morin, a second-round draft pick in 2023, has netted ten goals and 39 points with the Moncton Wildcats this season. Ranked as the Flames’ fifth-best prospect by NHL.com, Morin should soon make the jump to the pro level. He is expected to spend time with the Wranglers and could force his way into the Flames’ defensive picture by the 2026-27 season.

Prospects such as Axel Hurtig, Jake Boltmann, and Eric Jameison are other names to keep an eye on as they continue their development.

Overall, the Flames have three or four defensive spots secured beyond this season—including Weegar, Bahl, Pachal, and potentially one or more of Bean, Miromanov, or Andersson. This doesn’t leave much room for new faces to crack the lineup.

The Flames’ deep pool of upcoming defencemen at multiple levels is a good problem to have. Brzustewicz, Parekh, Mews, and Morin are all expected to factor in at some point within the next 1-3 years.

It’s also worth noting that Brzustewicz, Parekh, and Mews are three of four right-shot defencemen on the Flames’ depth chart beyond the NHL. The fourth is Jake Boltmann, who is currently playing in the NCAA. This could help their case, as they won’t face the same level of competition for future spots, though it by no means guarantees anything.

Looking ahead, uncertainty is always a factor. Prospects don’t always pan out, and unexpected players may step up. Injuries, underperformance, trades, and free agency signings can also alter the defensive outlook. And, of course, it would be remiss not to mention the much-anticipated homecoming of Cale Makar after his current contract with the Colorado Avalanche expires in 2027—because it’s all but guaranteed, according to Flames fans.

Regardless of how the Rasmus Andersson situation unfolds, the Flames’ defensive future looks bright. It may even make it easier to visualize a Flames future without him—or make you feel as though Andersson should stay to show these young players the way. That’s up to you.

Nonetheless, the coming years should bring plenty of healthy competition and the emergence of new stars to Calgary.

How do you see the Flames’ defence shaping up over the next couple of years? Let us know in the comments.