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What might the Flames organization’s forwards look like in 2026-27?
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
If there’s one area in the Calgary Flames organization to keep an eye out for in the next few years, it’s their forwards.
The group currently has some pretty effective, consistent veterans. They also have a few young roster players who have carved out spots for themselves. And they have a bunch of interesting up-and-comers in their system eager to carve out spots.
Here’s how next season’s forward group looks like heading into the summer.
Under contract
The Flames have 18 forwards on deals that will be running in 2026-27. We’ll go in salary cap hit order, starting with the players on standard contracts.
Jonathan Huberdeau (32) will be entering the fourth year of an eight year deal with a $10.5 million cap hit, the richest contract in Flames history. He had hip surgery back in March and until we’re told otherwise, we’re assuming he’ll be good to go for the fall – the original, announced prognosis what that he’ll be ready to go.
Matt Coronato (23) enters the second year of a seven year deal with a $6.5 million cap hit.
Yegor Sharangovich (27) enters the second year of a five year deal with a $5.75 million cap hit.
Joel Farabee (26) enters the fifth year of a six year deal with a $5 million cap hit that he originally signed in Philadelphia.
Ryan Strome (32) enters the final year of a five year deal with a $5 million cap hit that he originally signed in Anaheim.
Blake Coleman (34) enters the final year of a six year deal with a $4.9 million cap hit.
Morgan Frost (26) enters the final year of a two year deal with a $4.375 million cap hit.
Connor Zary (24) enters the second year of a three year deal with a $3.775 million cap hit.
Mikael Backlund (37) enters the first year of a two year deal with a $3.25 million cap hit.
Martin Pospisil (26) enters the first year of a three year deal with a $2.5 million cap hit.
Adam Klapka (25) enters the final year of a two year deal with a $1.25 million cap hit.
Dryden Hunt (30) enters the final year of a two year deal with a $825,000 cap hit.
The Flames also have six forwards on their entry-level deals:
- Jonathan Castagna (20) enters the first year of a three year, entry-level deal with a $1.075 million cap hit.
- Tyson Gross (23) enters the final year of a two year, entry-level deal with a $975,000 cap hit. He played NHL games this season.
- Matvei Gridin (20) enters the second year of a three year, entry-level deal with a $942,500 cap hit. He’s played quite a few NHL games this season.
- Aydar Suniev (21) enters the final year of a three year, entry-level deal with a $923,333 cap hit. He’s played NHL games over the past two seasons.
- Sam Honzek (21) enters the second year of a three year, entry-level deal with a $886,666 cap hit. He’s played quite a few NHL games over the past two seasons.
- Andrew Basha (20) enters the first year of a three-year, entry-level deal with a $832,500 cap hit. Because he didn’t play 10 NHL games this season, his deal slides and begins next season.
The Flames started 2025-26 with 26 forwards on NHL deals, so that’s probably what we would expect for next season, too. And yes, at first blush, the big league roster seems awfully packed with established wingers that need regular NHL minutes. (They can’t hold onto everybody over the off-season, right?)
On expiring deals
Eight forwards are eligible to become restricted free agents on July 1, assuming they receive qualifying offers from the Flames. Those eight players are John Beecher (25), Brennan Othmann (23), William Strömgren (22), Carter King (24), Parker Bell (22), Lucas Ciona (23), Rory Kerins (23) and Sam Morton (26).
Four forwards are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1: Ryan Lomberg (31), Victor Olofsson (30), Justin Kirkland (29) and Clark Bishop (30).
Don’t forget about…
Alright, the Flames have a bunch of interesting forward prospects in their system.
In college, there’s Cole Reschny (19), Luke Misa (20), Cade Littler (21), Jaden Lipinski (21), Cullen Potter (19), Aidan Lane (19), Ethan Wyttenbach (19) and Trevor Hoskin (21). And WHL forward Max Curran (19) is college-bound next season. At this point, we’re not sure if any of the college forwards are going pro this coming year.
In Europe, there’s Yan Matveiko (19) and Theo Stockselius (18), who may be joining the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen as an import in the fall.
And in junior, there’s Hunter Laing (19), who needs to be signed by June 1 or the Flames lose his rights.
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