The Flames will likely try to fill Kevin Bahl’s void internally

The Calgary Flames will likely address the loss of defenceman Kevin Bahl internally rather than acquiring outside help, according to FlamesNation's Ryan Pike. The team recently announced that Bahl will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon before a matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. The blueliner had emerged as a dependable defensive presence since being acquired from the New Jersey Devils in 2024.

With Bahl sidelined, Pike reports that veteran defenceman Joel Hanley is stepping into a regular role alongside Simon Nemec. Additionally, Pike suggests the Flames could eventually provide an expanded role to Yan Kuznetsov as the rebuilding franchise avoids spending assets on short-term external replacements.