Articles / The Calgary Flames need to embrace being a lottery team in 2025-26

The Calgary Flames need to embrace being a lottery team in 2025-26

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Daily Faceoff
Oct 23, 2025 5:54 PM

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The Calgary Flames are looking ahead to the future with the exciting addition of Gavin McKenna, a promising prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft class. As the Flames continue to build their roster, McKenna's skill set as a dynamic forward could play a crucial role in their plans. His ability to score and create plays has caught the attention of Flames' management, especially with the potential lottery pick that could land the team a generational talent.

In the current NHL landscape, the Flames are also navigating the impressive performances of their current roster, including key players like Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson. Kadri's offensive contributions and leadership qualities have been instrumental for the team, while Andersson's solid defensive play has made him a cornerstone of Calgary’s blue line. These players, alongside emerging talents, are vital as the Flames look to establish a new identity.

The Flames have an exciting future ahead as they prepare for the NHL Draft, combining veteran presence with young talent. Dustin Wolf's continued development in net adds another layer of intrigue to the Flames' prospects. With the right selections and development strategies, Calgary could see a transformation into a contender, shaping the team's identity for years to come.

Overall, the synergy between promising prospects like McKenna and established NHL players such as Kadri and Andersson suggests an optimistic outlook for the Flames. As they embrace this transitional phase, Calgary fans have reason to be excited about the potential that lies ahead, both in terms of immediate success and long-term growth in the league.