Monday Mailbag: Setting expectations as the Flames season kicks off

The Calgary Flames are finalizing their opening roster for the 2026-27 NHL season ahead of their opener against the Seattle Kraken. In a mailbag Q&A, potential roles and trade projections were evaluated across the organization. Prospect Aydar Suniev is viewed as a fit for a top-nine role rather than the fourth line when called upon, while optimism remains that Jonathan Huberdeau will return following major surgery.

Head coach Ryan Huska's tactical approach relies heavily on checking and structure to compensate for a lack of elite offensive finishing. Trade valuations were also discussed, with defenseman Jake Middleton projected to yield a third- or fourth-round pick, and forward Morgan Frost estimated to return a second- or third-round draft selection depending on performance trends.