The Calgary Flames played their final Stanley Cup playoff game on May 26, 2022, falling 5‑4 in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second‑round series.
Since that night, the Flames have executed a near‑complete reconstruction of their roster, retaining only captain Mikael Backlund from the 2022 lineup.
The End of an Era
The transformation began with Erik Gubranson signing a four‑year, $16 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2022, while forward Calle Järnkok joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a similar four‑year deal worth $8.4 million.
Defenseman Trevor Lewis returned to the Los Angeles Kings on a one‑year agreement after a final season in Calgary, and Milan Lucic resumed his career with the Boston Bruins on a one‑year contract.
Michael Stone announced his retirement on July 5, 2023, transitioning to a player‑development role within the Flames organization.
Nikita Zadorov was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks for a fifth‑round pick in 2024 and a third‑round pick in 2026, while Dillion Dubé left the NHL for the KHL after being linked to the 2018 World Juniors scandal.
In January 2024, Elias Lindholm was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, and Chris Tanev was sent to the Dallas Stars as part of a three‑team deal that also involved the New Jersey Devils.
Oliver Kylington signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche in August 2024, and Andrew Magiapane was moved to the Washington Capitals for a 2025 second‑round draft pick.
Jacon Markström was exchanged with the New Jersey Devils for Kevin Bahl and a 2025 first‑round pick, and Rasmus Andersson was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in January 2026.
Blake Coleman and Olli Määttä were shipped to the Minnesota Wild in a deal that brought Jacob Middleton and three draft selections to Calgary.
Through all these moves, Backlund remains the sole original skater still under contract, signed through the 2027‑28 season.
Looking Ahead
The Flames’ front office now faces the challenge of integrating fresh talent while preserving the chemistry that kept Backlund at the core, a task that will shape the team’s competitiveness in the coming years.