We knew the Calgary Flames’ offence would struggle this season, but few expected it to be this bad.
Through eight games, the Flames rank 31st in the NHL with an average of just 2.13 goals per game. They also don’t have a single player with more than five points.
Looking for a spark early in the campaign, the Flames placed Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal on waivers while recalling Aydar Suniev and Jonathan Castagna. Suniev, in particular, has made the most of his opportunity, recording two goals and three points through his first five games.
There could be more help on the way, as Calgary recalled Ben Jones from the Wranglers on Tuesday. The 27-year-old centreman has been on a tear to start the season, scoring seven goals and nine points in just seven games.
If Jones can translate that production to the NHL, he could have a real opportunity to stick around. The Flames desperately need offence from wherever they can find it, and head coach Ryan Huska will have little reason to take a productive player out of the lineup.
Whether Jones can maintain that production at the NHL level remains to be seen. If he can’t, however, the Wranglers have several other forwards making a case for an opportunity of their own.
William Stromgren
- Age: 23
- Position: LW
- 2026-27 stats: 8 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 PTS
William Stromgren’s stock has dipped over the last year, but the 23-year-old has given the Flames reason to be optimistic with a strong start in the AHL.
Although scoring goals has never been his biggest strength, Stromgren possesses plenty of offensive skill and is arguably the Wranglers’ best playmaker. His eight assists through eight games are an encouraging sign that he’s found a new level offensively.
If he can maintain that production, Stromgren could earn a look with the big club at some point this season.
Rory Kerins
- Age: 24
- Position: C
- 2026-27 stats: 8 GP, 4 G, 1 A, 5 PTS
For some time, it has felt as though Rory Kerins is on the outside looking in when it comes to the Flames’ long-term plans. Despite posting point-per-game numbers with the Wranglers in each of the past two seasons, the 24-year-old has appeared in just nine NHL games.
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images
Still, Kerins has a skillset that could be particularly valuable to a Flames team searching for offence. His ability to find the back of the net is his biggest selling point, and Calgary could use more of that in its lineup.
His skating remains a concern, but if Kerins continues to produce offensively, he could force the Flames to reconsider their options and give him another opportunity at the NHL level.
Alex Nylander
- Age: 28
- Position: LW
- 2026-27 stats: 8 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 PTS
Alex Nylander’s NHL career hasn’t unfolded as expected. Selected eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL Draft, the 28-year-old has appeared in just 126 games at the NHL level, with his defensive play often a concern.
Offensively, however, Nylander still brings considerable skill and arguably has as much raw talent as any forward on the Wranglers’ roster. His five assists through eight games suggest he could provide some playmaking ability to a Flames team in need of a spark.
At 28, Nylander is unlikely to represent a long-term solution for Calgary, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t help in the short term. If the Flames continue to struggle to generate offence, his skill could earn him a look.
Tyson Gross
- Age: 24
- Position: C
- 2026-27 stats: 8 GP, 3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS
It’s still early, but Tyson Gross has made an encouraging first impression in his rookie AHL season. The 24-year-old was considered a dark horse to crack the Flames’ opening-night roster before ultimately being assigned to the Wranglers to continue his development.
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Gross has delivered the kind of start Calgary’s management would have hoped for, recording three goals and six points through eight games. His early production is encouraging, particularly given the competition for NHL opportunities within the organization.
His position could also work in his favour. Gross is a centreman, an area where the Flames could use more depth and offensive production. If he continues to build on his strong start, he could put himself in the conversation for a call-up.
With the Flames struggling to score, there should be opportunities for players who can provide an offensive boost. Jones is the latest Wrangler to get that chance, though he likely won’t be the last.
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