The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).
The Flames have had many talented players on their roster over the years. Some quick answers to questions about the current Calgary Flames roster:
How many players are on the active roster?
The Flames have 23 players on their active roster for the 2022-23 NHL season. NHL teams can have a maximum of 23 players on their active roster.
Who are the goalies on the roster?
The two goalies on the Flames’ current roster are Jacob Markstrom and Daniel Vladar. Markstrom is the starter while Vladar is the backup.
Who are the team’s top forwards?
The Flames have several talented forwards on their roster. Some of their top forwards are Elias Lindholm, Tyler Toffoli, Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, Dillon Dube, Blake Coleman, Andrew Mangiapane, and Mikael Backlund.
Who are the top defensemen?
The top defensemen on the Flames are Rasmus Andersson, Noah Hanifin, MacKenzie Weegar, Nikita Zadorov, and Chris Tanev. They provide a solid mix of defensive play, toughness, and offensive ability from the blue line.
Full Active Roster
Here is the full 23-man active roster for the Calgary Flames for the 2022-23 NHL season:
Forwards
Jonathan Huberdeau | Elias Lindholm | Tyler Toffoli |
Dillon Dube | Blake Coleman | Andrew Mangiapane |
Nazem Kadri | Mikael Backlund | Trevor Lewis |
Milan Lucic | Brett Ritchie | Walker Duehr |
Defensemen
Noah Hanifin | Rasmus Andersson |
MacKenzie Weegar | Nikita Zadorov |
Chris Tanev | Michael Stone |
Connor Mackey | Dennis Gilbert |
Goalies
Jacob Markstrom |
Daniel Vladar |
Key New Additions
The Flames made some major moves in the 2022 offseason to bolster their roster, acquiring several new players through free agency and trades:
Jonathan Huberdeau
The Flames acquired Huberdeau, a top-line winger, in a blockbuster trade with the Florida Panthers in June 2022. Huberdeau was one of the NHL’s top scorers last season, registering 115 points (30 goals, 85 assists). He will provide a huge boost to Calgary’s forward group.
Nazem Kadri
Kadri was signed as a free agent coming off a career year with the Colorado Avalanche. He notched 87 points in 71 games last season and provides valuable depth and secondary scoring ability down the middle for the Flames.
MacKenzie Weegar
Weegar was acquired in the same trade as Huberdeau, coming over from the Panthers. He is a strong two-way defenseman who put up 44 points last season. He helps solidify Calgary’s top defensive pairings.
Tyler Toffoli
Toffoli was traded to the Flames from the Montreal Canadiens in July 2022. He is a veteran winger capable of scoring 20+ goals per season, giving Calgary additional offensive firepower.
Goalies
Goaltending continues to be a position of strength for the Flames entering 2022-23.
Jacob Markstrom
Markstrom has emerged as one of the NHL’s top netminders since joining Calgary in 2020. Last season he went 37-15-9 with a 2.22 GAA and .922 save percentage. The Flames will be counting on him heavily this season to lead them in goal.
Daniel Vladar
Vladar will be the backup goalie for the second straight season. Last year as a rookie backup he posted a 13-6-2 record with a .906 save percentage. The Flames will be looking for him to provide solid starts when giving Markstrom nights off.
Defensive Pairings
The Flames have excellent depth on defense. Here is how their defensive pairings project to line up this season:
First Pairing
Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson
This pairing combines Hanifin’s smooth skating and two-way ability with Andersson’s offensive skills and right-handed shot. They complement each other well and match up against opponents’ top lines.
Second Pairing
MacKenzie Weegar – Nikita Zadorov
The newcomer Weegar and stay-at-home defender Zadorov give Calgary a physical, defensive-minded second pairing. Both can chip in offensively as well.
Third Pairing
Chris Tanev – Michael Stone
Veteran experience and stability drive this pairing. Tanev is a intelligent, shutdown defender while Stone is a steady veteran presence.
Forward Lines
The Flames possess great offensive talent up front. Here is how their forward lines may look to start the 2022-23 season:
First Line
Jonathan Huberdeau – Elias Lindholm – Tyler Toffoli
This projects to be one of the best first lines in hockey. Huberdeau and Lindholm both surpassed 100 points last season while Toffoli is a proven scorer.
Second Line
Dillon Dube – Nazem Kadri – Blake Coleman
Kadri centered a very effective second line last season in Colorado. Flanked by the speedy Dube and gritty Coleman, he could do so again with Calgary.
Third Line
Andrew Mangiapane – Mikael Backlund – Trevor Lewis
Backlund anchoring the third line gives Calgary depth. Mangiapane broke out last season with 35 goals. Lewis provides leadership and defensive responsibility.
Fourth Line
Milan Lucic – Brett Ritchie – Walker Duehr
Lucic brings physicality, leadership and secondary scoring. Ritchie adds size and net-front presence. Duehr is an energetic rookie.
2022-23 Season Outlook
The Calgary Flames enter the 2022-23 campaign with heightened expectations after their first round playoff exit last season. They have retooled their roster and are now viewed as a top Stanley Cup contender in the Western Conference.
Their offensive attack looks extremely dangerous with multiple lines capable of scoring. The defense remains solid, anchored by Markstrom in net. This Flames team appears primed for a long playoff run if they can live up to their potential.
Much will hinge on the performance of the team’s core of Lindholm, Huberdeau, Gaudreau, Tkachuk and Markstrom. Calgary will also need its secondary scorers like Toffoli, Kadri and Mangiapane to chip in consistently.
If the Flames can successfully integrate their new additions and the team gels as expected, Calgary should challenge for the Pacific Division title. With their balanced four-line offense and deep defense corps, the Flames have constructed a roster capable of making noise come playoff time.
The 2022-23 season presents an opportunity for this skilled Calgary team to capture the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1989. Flames fans have plenty of reasons to be excited for this year’s squad that looks ready to contend for the ultimate prize.
Conclusion
The Calgary Flames enter the 2022-23 season with a talented roster capable of making a deep playoff run. Their offensive attack looks dangerous following the key additions of Huberdeau and Kadri. The defense remains solid and Markstrom has emerged as an elite goalie.
Excitement surrounds the Flames after several big offseason moves. Calgary appears set to contend in the Pacific Division and compete for the Stanley Cup. With improved forward depth and a balanced lineup, this Flames team has high hopes for the upcoming NHL season. The roster is constructed to succeed in 2022-23.