Flames’ Kevin Bahl to miss rest of 2026-27 with ruptured Achilles tendon
The Calgary Flames announced Sunday that defenseman Kevin Bahl will miss the rest of the 2026-27 season after sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Bahl, 26, suffered the injury prior to warm-ups ahead of Calgary’s game against the Anaheim Ducks at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday. The unexpected injury prompted Joel Hanley to take Bahl’s place in the lineup for the game.
The Flames placed Bahl on the injured reserve list on Sunday, and, in a corresponding move, recalled defenseman Brayden Pachal from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.
In 16 games with the Flames prior to the injury, Bahl collected a goal and an assist while averaging 21:56 of ice time. He had also posted an even rating — highly impressive on a Flames team with a minus-18 goal differential.
The Flames acquired Bahl from the New Jersey Devils in 2024 as part of the trade for Jacob Markstrom, in which the Flames also received the Devils’ own 2025 first-round pick (used to select Cole Reschny). The 6’6″ left-shot defender is in his third year with the Flames organization and is signed through 2031 at a $5.35 million annual cap hit.
The Arizona Coyotes originally selected Bahl in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. The former Ottawa 67’s standout never played a game in the Coyotes organization before being traded to the Devils in 2019 as part of a package to acquire Taylor Hall; Bahl ultimately appeared in parts of four seasons in New Jersey to begin his NHL career.
In 313 games over parts of seven seasons to date with the Devils and Flames, Bahl has collected 12 goals, 65 points, and 221 penalty minutes. The New Westminster, B.C. product has also appeared in 11 career playoff contests, all with New Jersey in 2023, recording one assist.
With Bahl now sidelined for the season, the Flames are slated to take on the Philadelphia Flyers at the Saddledome on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Alberta Time.
