What Scope Should the Calgary Flames Rebuild Encompass?

TSN: Mike Johnson and Craig Button debate how far Calgary Flames’ rebuild should extend as they prepare to open their new arena in 2027. Changes have already started taking effect this season and should continue this year.
** NHLRumors.com Transcription “The Calgary Flames are currently going through an transitional stage; having had several talented players but failing to capitalize on an opportunity presented themselves during a window of success that didn’t quite materialise for them; so now embarking upon an overhaul process.”
Last season they made headlines when they let several key players go and now look ahead to a potential new building, draft picks and prospects in this rebuild process. Craig asks himself the key question for this team – just how deep should this rebuild go.
NHL Preseason Rosters Should Be More Compelling Button: “Now let me look towards 2027 when they will receive their new building; when this season begins. They need to ensure they can compete within this space before starting that season.
Gavin McKenna may be your top option available in this draft, providing the greatest chances for franchise changing players to come your way. Are you willing to be in position for success and take that next step towards being one?
And now Mike, look what this year has brought – four really talented players: (Nazem) Kadri, Blake Coleman, Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar are available this season and teams that wish to compete must show interest in these four stars; this gives Calgary an excellent opportunity to add prospects, draft picks and players for its future development.
Johnson: “That is exactly right. As far as how deep this should go? As deep as their owners can tolerate the financial implications of having an awful team for an extended period.”
Of course there’s more than that involved if a team were to flop close to the bottom of its league; perhaps ticket sales or interest fees might come into play or else some financial ramifications.
But you are absolutely correct in noting the flames’ current position of 25th or 26th in their rebuild effort, that being 26th or lower on the table would be better for their progress. If they want a good chance at survival and future rebuilding efforts – which they do – 32nd or 31st would be more ideal.
As soon as you start talking about these players and think about winning the Stanley Cup as a team, don’t you want Nazem Kadri on your roster? Absolutely yes; similarly with Blake Coleman. Right-shot defensemen MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson would both make excellent right-shot defensive options that fit seamlessly with different systems or play styles; these players provide incredible bargaining chips to bring about changes for next year and beyond in any NHL franchise’s rosters.
Contractually and trade provisions could present challenges; but I think these players understand where the flames are heading over time; at this stage in their careers they would likely welcome playing for another competitive team than them at this moment in time.
As I stated before, having flexibility would give us all a lot of leeway in finding new positions for these players and potentially adding future assets – while also placing yourself in an optimal standings spot in terms of years gone by.
Rebuilding may not be easy, but with all of Calgary’s recent optimism regarding their new arena’s arrival comes the perfect opportunity for deep renovation and reconstruction to ensure they will once more compete competitively in several years’ time.
Craig Conroy showed last season his ability to use multiple techniques to secure returns on traded players he acquired, and this season with these four players we discussed they should continue in that vein. Their contracts are favorable; some might require longer-term commitment but with cap space being increased this should all work out nicely for him.” Button: “Craig Conroy demonstrated his versatility by finding returns for every one of those players traded away last season he acquired through various transactions he executed successfully – just look at all that talent we just talked about!”
And I believe the Calgary Flames want something different as evidenced by Jacob Markstrom leaving Calgary; it wasn’t necessarily planned; rather he simply saw where things were heading and wanted something new and different at this point in time – which also goes for them as an organization.
2027 has a lot of promising young players that are just now beginning their careers and showing that they’ll more than meet expectations, not starting now and reaching peak maturity by 2029 – it makes perfect sense that we look at 2027 now rather than wait another five years or more before taking another shot at 2029! As you point out.
Johnson: “Craig Conroy has both patience and perspective to carry this process out effectively, while I also think the market understands what would be happening and will back the club through what could be some difficult years in terms of standings, knowing there will be better ones ahead.”
NHL Rumors: Boston Bruins and Winnipeg Jets
While Calgary may appear competitive to start out their season, I expect by season’s end many of their high-caliber players may no longer be on their roster; new prospects and picks should create better future results for Calgary Flames fans.