Vanessa: The Calgary Flames are sitting pretty at one-and-zero in our preseason projections, but the real story isn't just the standings—it's the massive shakeup in Calgary this summer. We've got a brand new number one defenseman, a major trade that shook up the bottom six, and a central ice that is absolutely stacked with talent. Is it too much depth? Or exactly what GM Craig Conroy needed to lock down the Pacific?
Nick: It’s definitely a different flavor of problem to have, Vanessa. You’re talking about securing your blue line for the next five years while simultaneously reshuffling your forward group. We’ve got nine centers on the roster right now. Nine. That’s not a lineup; that’s a chess match waiting to happen.
Vanessa: And we are diving straight into your mailbag today. We’ve got questions coming in from across the country about Simon Nemec’s big contract, the Blake Coleman trade, and who actually gets the top-line center spot when training camp opens. I’m Vanessa, this is Nick, and you are listening to the Beatline Podcast Network. Let’s get into the first batch of questions.
Nick: We’re going to tackle three big topics. First, the financial commitment to Simon Nemec—is it fair value? Second, the void left by Blake Coleman’s departure to Minnesota. And third, the great center competition of 2026. Let’s start with the biggest headline: Simon Nemec.
Vanessa: Alright, let’s go to the inbox. Marcus in Calgary asks: 'Simon Nemec signed a five-year, $36.25 million deal. That’s over seven million a year. For a player who hasn’t been here long, is that a risky bet for the cap?' What’s your first take, Nick?
Nick: I think it’s a calculated risk that pays off if he stays healthy. Seven point two five million is solid money for a top-four defenseman, especially one with his skating ability and hockey IQ. The Flames need him to be their number-one partner alongside Zach Whitecloud. If he plays like a top-pairing guy, this is a steal. If he gets injured, it’s a burden. But looking at his ceiling? It’s worth it.
Vanessa: Agreed. He brings that north-south transition game that Calgary has sometimes lacked. Sarah from Edmonton chimes in with a follow-up: 'Okay, but what about the defensive zone coverage? Nemec is young. Does he need more support behind him, or is he ready to carry the load against Seattle on opening night?'
Nick: He won’t be carrying the load alone on opening night. You look at the blueline, and you’ve got Andreas Englund, Kevin Bahl, and Jake Middleton providing stability. Nemec can focus on the entry and the breakout. The key here is neutral-zone play. If they can trap the Kraken in the offensive zone early, Nemec doesn’t have to chase. That’s how you win that 3-2 game we predicted back on Thursday.
Vanessa: Right, because we know Seattle likes to come out fast. But let’s pivot to the other side of the puck. @FlamesFan99 tweets: 'Blake Coleman was traded to the Wild for Olli Maatta. Coleman was gritty. Maatta is a stay-at-home defender. Why make this move? Did we lose toughness?'
Nick: This is where it gets interesting. Coleman brought energy, no doubt. But Maatta brings structure. The Flames aren’t trying to win a fighting championship; they’re trying to win a division title. Maatta helps stabilize the penalty kill and gives you a reliable fourth defenseman. It’s a shift in philosophy. Less net-front chaos, more disciplined defensive zone coverage. It fits the system better than Coleman did.
Vanessa: So it’s about balance. Tyler in Regina asks: 'With Maatta in, does that mean Joel Hanley or Kevin Bahl get pushed down to the fourth pair? Who is the odd man out on the blue line right now?'
Nick: That’s the battle. You’ve got Zayne Parekh, Hunter Brzustewicz, and Axel Hurtig pushing hard in camp. I think Kevin Bahl might find himself in a utility role, moving between the second and third pairs depending on matchups. It’s a deep group. Nobody is sleeping on this defense. But yeah, Bahl’s minutes could be tricky until someone gets hurt or underperforms.
Vanessa: Deep enough that we’re heading into Segment Two, where we talk about the most crowded position group in the NHL. Nine centers. Nine. Let’s see who survives the cut.
Vanessa: Let’s start with the big guns. Mike from Lethbridge writes: 'Mikael Backlund is still there, but he’s aging. Morgan Frost is versatile. Connor Zary is the future. Where do these three land in the order? And who gets the power-play unit with Jonathan Huberdeau on the wing?'
Nick: Backlund is likely starting on the second line, anchoring that middle check. Frost is the perfect #2 center—he can play both sides, he’s smart, he’s safe. Zary is the #1 option when he’s healthy, but he’s coming off injury concerns. I’d expect Frost to start the season as the primary playmaker on the top line with Huberdeau, giving Zary time to work his way back. It’s a safer bet for the coaching staff.
Vanessa: But wait, there’s Ryan Strome. He’s experienced, he’s savvy. Yegor Sharangovich is another name. And don’t forget Martin Pospisil. David in Vancouver asks: 'How many of these guys are actually making the final 23-man roster? Are we cutting someone?'
Nick: This is brutal. You have ten centers listed in the roster data—Backlund, Castagna, Frost, Gross, Jones, Morton, Pospisil, Sharangovich, Strome, Zary. Only eight or nine spots total. One of those is likely a fourth-line grinder who can’t play center, or they’re moving a winger to center. I think Sam Morton or Tyson Gross are the ones in danger. They’re younger, less proven. Strome and Pospisil bring too much value to cut.
Vanessa: Ouch. So it’s a choppy camp. Jessica in Calgary tweets: 'What about the wingers? We have Joel Farabee, Andrew Basha, Samuel Honzek, William Stromgren, Dryden Hunt... and then Matt Coronato, Matvei Gridin, Adam Klapka, Maxim Tsyplakov on the right side. Is it possible we keep all of them?'
Nick: No way. The math doesn’t work. You’re looking at maybe four or five forwards making the trip to Seattle. Joel Farabee is the clear #1 option on the left. He’s going to be huge on that power play, just like we said last week. Basha and Honzek are competing for the second line spot. Hunt is the energy guy. On the right, Gridin and Tsyplakov are the high-upside kids. Klapka and Coronato are likely ELCs pushing for a spot, but one of them is going to the AHL.
Vanessa: So the pressure is on the young guys. Brandon in Red Deer asks: 'If Farabee starts strong, does he force Huberdeau to the second line? Because Huberdeau needs the puck.'
Nick: Huberdeau will never sit on the second line unless he’s playing poorly. He’s a veteran leader. But if Farabee is clicking, you might see some line shuffling. Maybe Frost moves over to the wing to give Huberdeau more space. It’s fluid. That’s the beauty of having this much talent. The coaches can mix and match to find the best chemistry.
Vanessa: Speaking of chemistry, let’s talk goalies. Devin Cooley vs. Dustin Wolf. Chris in Calgary asks: 'Wolf had a great rookie year. Cooley is steady. Who starts Game 1 against Seattle?'
Nick: Dustin Wolf. He’s the franchise goalie. He’s got the upside, he’s got the confidence. Cooley is there to hold down the fort if Wolf goes down, which happens. But Wolf is the starter. He’s going to play 60 games minimum. The question is whether he can handle the pressure of being the face of the rebuild.
Vanessa: We’ll save that debate for later. Before we wrap up the roster talk, let’s get to our final segment. We’re doing a lightning round of quick takes and a fun hypothetical. Get ready, because this one’s gonna get spicy.
Vanessa: First quick take: The Pacific Division. We’re projected first. But the Canucks and Oilers are hungry. Do you think Calgary can hold off the charge all season? Or is this a short-lived peak?
Nick: I think it’s sustainable. The core is young. Nemec, Zary, Farabee, Wolf—they’re all entering their primes. This isn’t a fluke. This is a team building momentum. If they stay healthy, 90 points is very achievable. Maybe even 92.
Vanessa: Second quick take: The trade deadline. With this much depth, do you ever see Calgary selling at the deadline? Or are they buyers through and through?
Nick: Buyers. Always buyers. You don’t trade away your best young pieces unless you’re getting a superstar back. And even then, I doubt it. They’re protecting this core. The only move would be adding a veteran presence if they slip into a playoff scramble in April.
Vanessa: Alright, fun hypothetical time. If you could swap one player from the current roster for any player in the league right now, who do you take, and who do you send to Calgary?
Nick: Hmm. I’d send Dryden Hunt somewhere else—he’s good, but he’s replaceable. I’d bring in a proven sniper. Maybe someone like Tyler Seguin? Just to add that elite experience to the top six. Help Zary and Frost.
Vanessa: I disagree. I’d keep Hunt. His energy is unique. Instead, I’d trade for a shutdown defenseman. Someone like Quinn Hughes’ partner type. We need that extra grit on the backend to complement Nemec. Let’s say... Brad Marchand? No, too expensive. Let’s stick to the budget. Maybe a solid #4 D.
Nick: Fair point. Defense wins championships. Okay, I’ll concede that one. But I’m sticking with the forward upgrade. You need scoring depth when the power play is cold.
Vanessa: We’ll agree to disagree. But hey, that’s why we watch. Alright, listeners, we’re running out of time. We’ve covered Nemec’s contract, the Coleman trade fallout, the nine-center battle, and our hypothetical swaps. What’s next? Game 1 against the Seattle Kraken on October 2nd. 3-2, Flames. Let’s go.
Vanessa: Thanks for tuning in to the Beatline Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. And hey, if these daily breakdowns are part of your morning routine or commute, a small tip via the link in the episode description keeps this show free and daily for all of us. Nick, any final thoughts before we go?
Nick: Just remember, folks. The roster is set, the contracts are signed, and the stakes are high. Watch the neutral zone, trust the goaltending, and enjoy the ride. Calgary is ready.
Vanessa: Burn it down! See you next time on Beatline.