The Flames could go big-game hunting this summer

May 13, 2025, 11:42 EDT

The Flames could go big-game hunting this summer

Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Set to enter his third season as GM of the Calgary Flames, it doesn’t appear that Craig Conroy plans to sit on his hands this summer.

After narrowly missing the playoffs – the Flames finished the season tied with the St. Louis Blues with 96 points for the final Western Conference wild card seed but lost the tie breaker – after winning seven of their final ten games, it sounds like the Flames have every intention of bolstering their lineup.

Speaking with a source close to the situation in Calgary, the Flames are going to explore ways to bolster their lineup this summer. But the plan is not to acquire just any name; if the Flames are to make an outside addition, it will be a top UFA or trade target. Based on conversations I’ve had with those inside the organization, the Flames plan to go “big game hunting” in Free Agency; if Calgary cannot land one of the bigger-name free agents, they will explore the trade market or carry their cap space into next season and go from there.

After taking care of their own RFAs (most notably Kevin Bahl, Morgan Frost and Connor Zary), the Flames’ internal projection for the salaries to come will leave them around $18 million in cap space left over. After all of their internal house cleaning is taken care of, they don’t foresee a ton of roster spots being up for grabs. One forward and one defenseman spot will be available, while they may be in need of a goaltender to tandem with Dustin Wolf, depending on what happens with Dan Vladar.

But what will the Flames target this summer?

Speaking with a source, the Flames’ main objective is to bring in an impact scorer. But, as mentioned above, the Flames are not going to go after just anyone – they want to go big game hunting. In years past, the Flames were on the hunt to add to their center ice position, but after the acquisition of Frost last season that need isn’t as pressing. The Flames want to add a forward of any position that can help the team’s offensive production at even strength and on the power play.

If this is the case, one has to wonder if the Flames have their sights set on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. I have not had Marner’s name specifically brought up to me by any source tied to the Flames organization, so this is informed speculation more than anything. But if I’m to connect dots based on what I’ve been told, Marner would, theoretically, be a perfect fit for the Flames.

Marner, 28, had a career year with the Leafs, finishing with 75 assists and 102 points in the regular season. Still playing with the Leafs versus the Florida Panthers in the second round, Marner has two goals and 10 assists through 10 playoff games in 2025. Still unsigned, Marner is set to become the biggest name in Free Agency on July.1.

After the Mikko Rantanen contract that he signed with the Dallas Stars in the days leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline, a theoretical benchmark has been set for what Marner will command. With Rantanen’s AAV coming in at $12 million on his next contract set to kick in next year, there is no reason to believe that Marner will not get at least that. If Marner does ultimately make it to July. 1, the Flames would be in a prime position to offer him well north of that with their projected $18 million of cap space. Again, I have not heard Marner’s name specifically tied to the Flames, but based on what they are said to be looking for this summer, it would make sense for the team to explore this avenue.

Contracts for Bahl, Frost

Last week, I reported that the Flames were planning to explore a bridge contract with Zary in the neighborhood of three years at around $3 million. In the case of Bahl and Frost, both situations appear to be unique, according to sources. The plan for Bahl is a longer-term contract if the Flames are to have their ideal scenario unfold. Bahl, who will turn 25 next month, registered 17 assists and 20 points in 73 games this season.

As for Frost, the 26-year-old registered just three goals and 12 points in 32 games for the Flames after coming over from the Philadelphia Flyers mid-season. Speaking with a source, there is a belief that the Frost camp could look for a one-year contract, which would give the player a chance to bet on himself after a mediocre campaign in 2024-25. It would also walk Frost to UFA status in July of 2026; if it goes to arbitration, the Flames would try to get a two-year contract awarded.

While I’m not sure where the AAVs will land for either player, the Flames’ internal forecast will leave them with around $18 million based on their projected cap hits for their pending RFAs, as previously mentioned. According to puckpedia.com, the Flames are projected to have just under $27.8 million in cap space for next season, prior to any of the RFAs being unsigned.

SPONSORED BY bet365

The Flames could go big-game hunting this summer

Recently by Anthony Di Marco