The Calgary Flames, perennially in search of that perfect blend of grit and finesse on the back end, are poised for a fascinating defensive transformation as we peer into the 2025-26 season. Offseason maneuvering, both speculative and confirmed, has laid the groundwork for a defensive corps that could swing from a battle-tested unit to a youth-infused, high-upside gamble. The prevailing winds of change, however, all seem to blow through one man: Rasmus Andersson. His fate will dictate whether the Flames prioritize immediate competitiveness or accelerate the youth movement.
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The Stalwart Core: Weegar and Bahl Lead the Charge
No matter which path the Flames ultimately take, the foundation of their defensive unit for 2025-26 is firmly cemented around two key figures: MacKenzie Weegar and Kevin Bahl. Weegar, having enjoyed a truly exceptional 2024-25 campaign, has unequivocally seized the mantle of the team’s true number-one defenseman. His defensive prowess is undeniable, and his offensive contributions (tied-third in team scoring last season) speak to his all-around impact. The man can play both sides of the ice with equal aplomb, a versatility that will prove invaluable in whichever defensive scheme the Flames deploy.
Joining Weegar as a cornerstone is Kevin Bahl, the significant return from the Jacob Markstrom trade. Bahl’s recent extension underscores the organization’s long-term commitment to him, and for good reason. He’s a shutdown specialist, a physically imposing force with the reach to disrupt plays and the snarl to replace the departed Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov. His comfort playing alongside Rasmus Andersson for much of last season also hints at his adaptability and ability to complement different defensive partners.
Beyond the top two, the Flames have quietly shored up their depth with a few pleasant surprises. Joel Hanley, claimed off waivers, proved to be a revelation defensively, particularly when paired with Weegar. His recent two-year extension at a team-friendly $1.75 million AAV is a testament to his reliability. While perhaps not a long-term top-pair solution, he’s a rock-solid, defensive-minded presence who can provide stability. Similarly, Brayden Pachal earned his extension through consistent, no-nonsense play in a third-pairing shutdown role. He hits hard, defends responsibly, and isn’t afraid to stand up for his teammates – precisely the kind of grit you want in your bottom pair.
Prospects on the Cusp
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Flames’ defensive outlook is the imminent arrival of two blue-chip prospects: Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz. The buzz around these two is palpable, and for good reason.
Zayne Parekh, at just 19, is not just a top prospect, he’s considered one of the best defensive prospects in the entire sport. He’s simply outgrown the OHL and is widely expected to make the jump directly to the NHL to start the 2025-26 season. The plan seems to be a sheltered introduction, allowing him to flex his considerable offensive muscles while gradually acclimating to the rigors of professional defense. His inclusion in the lineup feels like a certainty, irrespective of any trade involving Andersson. This kid is the real deal, and Flames fans should be salivating at the thought of his offensive flair on the power play.
Then there’s Hunter Brzustewicz, another right-shot defenseman acquired in a trade, this time from the Canucks. After a very respectable 32-point AHL season with the Calgary Wranglers and a strong NHL debut, Brzustewicz has carved out a compelling case for a roster spot. Touted as the most mobile defenseman in the Flames’ system, he’s shown steady defensive improvement alongside his offensive contributions. While he remains AHL-eligible, the opportunity for him to push for an NHL role, particularly if Andersson departs, is very real.
The Andersson Conundrum: Two Futures Diverge
This brings us to the elephant in the locker room, or rather, the defenseman whose presence (or absence) will fundamentally reshape the Flames’ blue line: Rasmus Andersson. With his $4.55 million cap hit expiring after the 2025-26 season, Andersson is a prime trade chip. Moving him would undoubtedly weaken the team in the short term but could fetch significant future assets, accelerating the youth movement.
Let’s explore the two distinct paths:
Scenario 1: Andersson Stays – The “Win Now” Compromise
If the Flames decide to retain Andersson, it signals a clear intent to prioritize immediate competitiveness. This scenario would likely limit the opportunities for some of the younger prospects beyond Parekh.
The top pair would likely see a reunion of Kevin Bahl and Rasmus Andersson, a duo that spent the majority of last season together. Andersson’s offensive instincts perfectly complement Bahl’s shutdown capabilities, creating a balanced and effective top unit.
The second pair would feature MacKenzie Weegar, shifting to his off-side, alongside the highly anticipated Zayne Parekh. This pairing would offer Parekh invaluable mentorship from a true number-one defenseman, allowing him to develop his offensive game under less defensive pressure.
The third pair would likely see Ilya Solovyov, a young defenseman who has performed admirably in the AHL, slotting in next to the reliable Brayden Pachal. This provides a solid, defensive-minded bottom pairing.
In this scenario, veterans like Joel Hanley would likely assume the role of the seventh defenseman, providing experienced depth. Jake Bean and Daniil Miromanov, both of whom struggled significantly last season and have been ineffective, would likely find themselves buried in the AHL or waived. Their cap hits make them difficult to move, but their on-ice performance makes them liabilities.
Scenario 2: Andersson is Traded – Full Steam Ahead with Youth
A trade involving Rasmus Andersson would send a clear message: the Flames are fully committed to developing their burgeoning defensive talent. This path opens up significantly more ice time for prospects to prove their worth.
In a surprising, yet potentially high-upside move, the top pair could see Ilya Solovyov jumping to the left side alongside MacKenzie Weegar. This is a bold play, but Solovyov has shown flashes of potential, and Weegar’s ability to elevate his partners would be crucial here.
The second pair would feature Kevin Bahl providing a much-needed safety net for Zayne Parekh. Bahl’s shutdown capabilities would allow Parekh more freedom to experiment and develop his offensive game without being solely responsible for defensive coverage.
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The third pair would be a true “Wranglers Special,” showcasing two fresh faces from the AHL. Hunter Brzustewicz, on the right side, would finally get his extended shot at the NHL. His partner on the left would be either Yan Kuznetsov or Jérémie Poirier. Kuznetsov, a 23-year-old shutdown defenseman who recently signed a two-year extension, offers a similar physical, defensive presence. Poirier, a promising two-way prospect who’s battled injuries, recently signed a one-year extension and could be a dark horse for the spot if healthy and performing.
In this scenario, Jake Bean and Joel Hanley would likely be vying for the seventh and eighth defenseman roles, with Hanley having the edge given his consistent performance.
Other Depth Considerations: Waiting in the Wings
Beyond the immediate picture, the Flames have additional defensive depth waiting in the wings. Étienne Morin, a skilled left-shot defender with a good shot, is projected for heavy minutes in the AHL, indicating he’s still a year or two away from pushing for an NHL spot. Similarly, Henry Mews, a dynamic two-way right-shot defenseman, has committed to the NCAA, suggesting a longer developmental curve. These players represent the next wave, but their immediate impact on the 2025-26 roster is likely limited.
The Verdict: A Blue Line on the Brink of Change
In essence, the Calgary Flames’ defensive corps for the 2025-26 season will be anchored by the established talents of MacKenzie Weegar and Kevin Bahl, with the electric Zayne Parekh almost certainly making his highly anticipated NHL debut. The true identity of the blue line, however, rests squarely on the shoulders of Rasmus Andersson. His potential trade is the butterfly effect that will either usher in an accelerated era of youth and prospect development, with players like Hunter Brzustewicz, Ilya Solovyov, Yan Kuznetsov, and Jérémie Poirier stepping into more prominent roles, or solidify a more experienced, albeit potentially less dynamic, defensive structure.
One thing is clear: the Flames’ blue line in 2025-26 will be a compelling story to follow, offering a fascinating glimpse into the team’s long-term vision. Buckle up, Flames fans, the defensive future is coming into focus, and it promises to be anything but boring.
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