Rebuilding Flames still to feature plenty of feel-good stories

CALGARY — Zayne Parekh will be in the lineup when the Calgary Flames' season opens Thursday, marking a vastly different scenario than the one a year earlier when he was a healthy scratch.

Unlike last season, when the highly touted first-rounder was sheltered following a poor pre-season, Parekh enters this season as the player fans and management are most excited to see.

A rigorous off-season with workout guru Gary Roberts, followed by a dynamic pre-season, appears to have the bulked-up defenceman back on track, and positioned to be one of the biggest feel-good stories of the upcoming season.

“It’s been night and day from last year to now,” admitted the 20-year-old freewheeler, who has regained the confidence he lost through a nightmarish rookie season that included injury and plenty of press-box popcorn.

“I feel like a completely different player. Just the strength and the work I put in this summer has really helped me.”

When he’s at his best, like he was at the world juniors last Christmas, he’s a whirling dervish, who circles around the offensive zone making plays like he owns the place.

Heading into a rebuilding season in which there promises to be extensive short-term pain for long-term gain, Parekh headlines the list of good stories Flames fans can focus on.

Here are a handful of others:

Farewell to the Dome

The Saddledome will play host to its 44th and final season as home of the Flames, prompting a season-long celebration sure to stir up all sorts of memories fans have of the iconic building.

The organization promises to take fans through an extensive trip down memory lane, saluting the great moments and players who helped shape the tremendous history of the saddle-shaped barn.

“I think our players are very fortunate to be part of this year,” added coach Ryan Huska, who remembers the seats he sat in when his uncle brought him to a game as a kid.

“This building has seen so many great moments. I think it’s going to be a step up this year with the energy and atmosphere in the building. And I think the players are going to feed off what the crowd is going to bring.”

Tickets for the final game against Vancouver on April 10 are already going for a king’s ransom, as sentimental fans look to say goodbye to a building that has seen a bit of everything over the years.  

Simon Nemec era begins

The Flames gave up a boatload to land the 22-year-old defenceman who was picked second overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2022, so there will be plenty of eyes on him as he showcases the skillset that will have him on the top pairing on opening night.

“He’s gonna play a ton, and in every scenario, so we are looking forward to seeing what we have in him this year and for many years to come,” said Conroy of the cornerstone acquisition. Conroy signed Nemec to a five-year, $36-million contract right after giving up two first-rounders and a second for the Slovak. 

“I feel really comfortable — the guys and coaches and everyone in the organization is great, so I feel good and want to play my best hockey,” added Nemec, who feels having fellow countrymen Martin Pospisil and Sam Honzek on the team has made the transition easier.

“I want to play in every situation, and I feel I can do that here.”

Collegians on the horizon

Four of the most exciting prospects in the organization — Carson Carels (sixth overall in 2026), Cole Reschny (18th in 2025), Ethan Wyttenbach (last year’s leading collegiate scorer) and Cullen Potter (32nd in 2025) — have all pledged to turn pro and join the Flames at the conclusion of their season at their respective U.S. colleges.

“When I talk to them, that’s the goal for each guy, to have a great year, win a national championship, and then turn pro,” said Conroy.

“The problem is they are on good teams, so they could go right until the end of our year, which would make it a little trickier.”

Their progress will be monitored by Flames fans throughout the year, leading to season-ending sit-downs with Flames management to decide what’s best for each of the lads long-term.

“I always bring it back to Johnny (Gaudreau),” said Conroy.

“He said, ‘Hey I’m going to go back for my third year and be the best player in college hockey, and then I’m coming out — and I don’t want to go to the minors.’ He felt that gave him the best chance. And I give him credit — he did it.

“So I think where these guys could overcook a little bit and be completely ready to come that much stronger, faster and it’s still going to be a huge step. Are they all going to be able to do it? I don’t know. But you know what — I didn’t know Johnny was going to be able to do it.”

Captain chasing history

Captain Mikael Backlund is just 72 games away from breaking Jarome Iginla’s franchise record of 1,219 regular-season games as a Flame. 

If he remains healthy all season, the 37-year-old will establish the new mark for longevity on March 17 at home against Dallas — giving fans one of the last great moments in Dome lore.

“Well, Jarome will want me to sit Backs a few times or trade him,” joked Conroy.

Punched-up power play

Assistant coach Dave Lowry takes over a unit that has been near the bottom of the league the last few seasons, and promises to add a few new wrinkles.

The big difference will be the two lads heading it up — Parekh and Nemec.

“No disrespect to the guys that were here before, because they were all great players out there, but these are two power-play defencemen — they really are,” said Huska of the two youngsters who offer up a much more dynamic approach to the point position with the man advantage.  

“When you look at the way they walk the blue line, and when you look at the way they see where the open man is. ... You’re a special breed to be a power-play quarterback and I feel like these two guys are that. That’s one of the big reasons why I feel like our PP is going to be better this year, because both units have someone who can take charge from the top, and it makes everybody’s job easier.”

Internal competition between the two will dictate which player runs the top unit, with the possibility that, at times, they may both play together on it. 

Gridin promises productivity 

Matvei Gridin, a Flames first-rounder in 2024, finished with a flurry last season when he was given a prominent scoring role. He delivered, leading the uber-confident young Russian to declare at exit meetings he would lead the team in scoring this year.

He’ll get every opportunity to do just that, as he’ll start on the top power-play unit and top line with Morgan Frost and Matt Coronato. 

The youngster, who scored 36 goals in 56 games as a QMJHL rookie, is an exciting prospect for a team that has had trouble scoring the last few years.  

Frost watch 

Unlike Conroy’s previous three seasons, there is no significant drama surrounding pending free agents with their eyes set on bolting elsewhere.

Conroy finds that refreshing, as he continues trying to build a team of players who want to be here.

Frost is the only significant pending UFA on the roster, which should make for an interesting decision on his future before the trade deadline.

Either outcome seems favourable for Flames fans, as he either excels as the team’s first-line centre and is signed to an extension as a building block, or he is traded on an open market that always pays significant sums for skilled middlemen.