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Sam Morton has made his case to emerge in the NHL this season
Sam Morton skates through the neutral zone in the Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers game at the 2024 Young Stars Classic in Penticton, BC.
Photo credit: ©Tav Morisson-Oilers Nation
Paige Siewert
Sep 29, 2025, 15:45 EDTUpdated: Sep 28, 2025, 23:53 EDT
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Sam Morton has been showcasing his skills with the Calgary Flames in his preseason performances so far this fall.
The consistent style of game he brings is something he’s presented since he initially came to Calgary. He picked up an assist in his first professional game and scored his first goal in the game following. Morton has an impact wherever he goes and is in for an exciting season this year. Here’s what is expected of him going into the regular season.

Meets expectations

Sam Morton is expected to play more NHL games this season. Whether that number is scattered throughout the year or a long stretch of time will vary, but he’s earned his shot at centering an NHL line for the Flames. As decisions approach for opening night rosters, he has done a lot of great work to make a serious case for himself to make that lineup. 
If Morton is unable to crack that roster, he will be exposed on waivers to be assigned to the Wranglers, putting him at risk of being claimed by another NHL squad. If he is able to clear, he will be a top line centre for the Wranglers and again one of their most consistent players. 
Even when Morton is off the scoresheet, he is still contributing and giving his team a chance to win. He had 45 points in his last season with the Wranglers and scored a goal in his NHL debut. 

Exceeds expectations

For Morton to blow expectations out of the water, he would need to do something along the lines of making the Flames and immediately making an impact. If Morton makes it in the first place, he is expected to be towards the bottom of the lineup, but given his skillset, he could make a case to climb and earn more playing time.
He could have a similar growth path to the way Connor Zary or Matt Coronato did over the last season or two and could be one of those guys between the 20-30 point total or beyond, depending on how his game transitions. Morton is definitely a player to be excited about and could surprise Flames staff and fans as well as their opponents. 

Below expectations

Sam Morton hasn’t shown any significant lows in Calgary, but if he did, he would underachieve this season. For this to happen, he would need to be an AHLer all season with limited or no opportunities at the NHL level. To not even be a consideration for a call-up, he would also need to fall down the Wranglers’ depth chart.
This would cause him to disappear among the ranks and others will pass him by. Something that seems quite unlikely, considering how he played last year and how he’s played in preseason. Most realistically, Morton has only scratched the surface when it comes to his NHL experience and there’s so much more to come.

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