Fire is Catching: A Recap on the Calgary Flames’ Season

Jonathan Huberdeau celebrating a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Photo courtesy of Gerry Thomas. 

At the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, experts, fans, and media members had written the Calgary Flames off. It seemed like everyone outside Calgary and outside the dressing room predicted the team to finish bottom five in the league. Trading away key members such as Jacob Markström, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Elias Lindholm was supposed to set the team back into a “rebuild”. Instead, the Calgary Flames tied an NHL record for teams with the most points not to make the playoffs, with 96 points, a 41-27-14 record, and a playoff chase that went right to the very end. 

A big reason the Flames finished where they did was due to rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, who had an outstanding campaign, posting a 29-16-8 record and had 3 shutouts. 22-year-old Matt Coronato had a career year, scoring 24 goals and 23 assists. Connor Zary, playing in his second season in the league, was plagued by injury and missed 28 games, but still managed to score 13 goals and 14 assists. 

Nazem Kadri taking a face-off against Washington Captials’ Nic Dowd. Photo courtesy of Gerry Thomas.

The veteran players also played a huge part in the Flames’ season, both on and off the ice. Jonathan Huberdeau played his best season as a Calgary Flame so far, scoring 28 goals and 34 assists. Nazem Kadri had a career-high in goals, scoring 35, and had 32 assists. Defenseman Mackenzie Weegar, who had a career-high in points last season, built onto his momentum. While he didn’t score as many goals, his name was still on the score sheet for 39 assists, a new career-high in a single season for the Canadian. 

For some, the biggest change this season that helped the team get to where they are now is the culture. Just two seasons ago, it was apparent there were people who didn’t want to play in Calgary. Players wanted to be traded, and it felt like there weren’t any players who wanted to sign here. With those players now traded, and younger guys being brought in through those trades and signing new deals, the dressing room is filled with people who want to play for this city. The culture was something Flames media, coaches, players, and backroom staff talked about a lot, with Mackenzie Weegar saying, “That’s kind of how our identity and culture is pride, a lot of heart, and courage," in his end of season interview. 

From left to right, Zayne Parekh, Aydar Suniev, Hunter Brzustewicz and Sam Morton, making their NHL debuts for the Calgary Flames. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Lots of excitement for the future of Calgarian hockey as the World got a preview of 4 players who made their NHL debuts in the last game of the season. Zayne Parekh, Aydar Suniev, Sam Morton, and Hunter Brzustewicz all debuted together, with Parehk and Morton picking up their first NHL goals that night against the Los Angeles Kings.

Fans also got a glimpse of what newly acquired players Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost can offer going forward. While the numbers weren’t what they nor fans had hoped for during their 31 and 32 respective games, there is a lot to look forward to with them after a good off-season. 

Joel Farabee playing against the San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Missing out on playoffs was tough, especially in the way the Flames lost out; however, the fact that they were in the fight and played 81 meaningful games of hockey says a lot about them as a team. This is not a fluke season, this is something to build off. With some off-season work and personnel change, this Flames team should keep on growing and hopefully make another brilliant run for the playoffs next season.

Edited by Neha Grewal