As it stands, the Calgary Flames are all-in on trying to make the playoffs. The Flames have been fairly consistent with their lineup over the last few months, only making occasional call-ups from the Calgary Wranglers due to injuries.

While major roster changes are unlikely during a playoff race, a new opportunity could arise for Flames prospects if the playoffs become unattainable. What better way to assess the future than by allowing some young players to dip their toes in NHL waters and get a few games of experience?

Last season, players like Dustin Wolf, Ilya Solovyov and Adam Klapka were given games toward the end of the season. In no particular order, here are some Calgary Wranglers players who could get a chance if the opportunity arises this year:

Kerins is a name Flames fans will already be familiar with. He had a short but productive stint with the Flames in January, recording four assists in five games, including his first career NHL point on his very first shift.

At the time, it was questionable why Kerins was sent back down, as he was generating offence for a team that desperately needed it. Regardless, he has put together a strong season in the AHL. Averaging nearly a point per game—tallying 50 points in 53 games—and earning an AHL All-Star nod, Kerins has shown he deserves a proper look in the NHL.

The Flames’ 2021 second-round pick, Strömgren, is in his second full season with the Wranglers. The Swedish winger needed time to adjust to the North American style of play, which was evident in his first year, where he posted just 27 points in 68 games. However, he has made significant strides in his second season, currently sitting at 44 points in 60 games and has worked his way up the Wranglers line-up to be a mainstay on the first line.

Strömgren’s name has been mentioned in discussions as a potential call-up for months. While the opportunity has yet to present itself, he remains a prime candidate to make his NHL debut. If the Flames play meaningless games down the stretch, it could be the perfect chance for him to step in.

Many will remember that Honzek made the Flames roster out of training camp and played five NHL games before being sent down to the Wranglers, where he has remained all season.

While Honzek didn’t record a point in those five games, he didn’t look entirely out of place. Unfortunately, he was injured in his fourth game, which likely factored into his demotion. It also didn’t help that the player called up to replace him, Matthew Coronato, has since become a 20-goal scorer.

Honzek has posted just seven goals and 13 assists in 40 AHL games this season, but giving the former first-round pick another NHL stint certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Poirier was on many people’s radar to make the jump to the NHL last season, but multiple injuries—including a serious skate laceration—prevented that from happening, allowing other names to move ahead of him.

Poirier has been a model of consistency when it comes to generating offence from the back end, averaging roughly 0.60 points per game in each of his three AHL seasons. While there may be players ahead of him on the depth chart, that shouldn’t take away from the fact that he deserves a shot at NHL action. With his entry-level contract set to expire at the end of the season, his window with the Flames may be closing. However, a game or two at the end of the season could impact his future.

While the four players mentioned above are likely first in line for a late-season call-up, could there be opportunities for others? Perhaps forwards like Sam Morton or the Wranglers leading scorer Martin Frk get a chance. Could Ilya Solovyov see more NHL games to close out the season? And while uncertain, could Zayne Parekh make the jump from the OHL to the NHL for a taste of late-season action?

As long as the Flames remain in the playoff race, there likely won’t be many chances for prospects to get called up. Whether the final few games of the season are make-or-break for the playoffs or a tryout for potential future Flames, there’s still a reason for fans to tune in as the 2024-25 season winds down.