Flames Training Camp Lineup Offers First Glimpse Into Line Battles

With the rookie tournament in the rearview, Calgary Flames fans get their first look at what is on the horizon for the NHL club.

Announcing the three 'teams' for training camp on Wednesday, the Flames offered a glimpse into their early thoughts on potential line combos and defence pairings — as well as which prospects might benefit from a longer look.

They hit the ice at Winsport Thursday morning for their first official skates after fitness testing on Wednesday, with the veterans spread out across Team Crisp and Team MacNeil. Reading between the lines (pun completely intended), we see Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman on the Crisp squad. They're likely to play together since they've formed two thirds of one of the top NHL lines in possession metrics for years.

Who might join them? Well, Nazem Kadri, Connor Zary, Yegor Sharangovich and Andrei Kuzmenko are the top names from last year's team in the same group, so it's likely three of those four will form a trio of their own sooner or later. Based on last year's chemistry, Kadri and Zary could stay together, with Kuzmenko and Sharangovich the likely fill ins on the right side of either of those two lines.

Notably, sophomore Matthew Coronato is in the group, looking to replicate last year's impressive preseason effort. Freshly inked Cole Schwindt, Dryden Hunt and Adam Klapka all have some fourth-line potential. And younger prospects Samuel Honzek and Andrew Basha should get looks for their offensive potential.

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On the back end, MacKenzie Weegar and Daniil Miromanov are expected to pick up where they left off last season, with PTO guy Tyson Barrie, fellow veteran Jarred Tinordi and Joel Hanley all in the mix for depth roles. Hunter Brzustewicz is a top prospect to watch, while both Artem Grushnikov and Yan Kuznetsov are more uncertain as to their direction.

Forwards on the MacNeil group include the likely trio of Jonathan Huberdeau, Martin Pospisil and Anthony Mantha — a group talked about recently by both Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska and GM Craig Conroy. Kevin Rooney and Ryan Lomberg are favourites for the fourth line, with Walker Duehr a front runner for the lower lines.

Jakob Pelletier could play up or down in the lineup but is a bit of a wildcard. Prospects Sam Morton, William Stromgren and Matvei Gridin should all get early looks after strong showings at the Young Stars Classic in Penticton last weekend.

Rasmus Andersson is looking for a regular partner, and both newcomers Kevin Bahl and Jake Bean are in his group. Brayden Pachal is expected to anchor the third pairing. Youngsters looking to impress include Jeremie Poirier, Ilya Solovyov and 2024 first-round pick Zayne Parekh.

Members of Team Johnson are less likely to get looks in game action, but with split squad games early in the preseason schedule, plenty of prospects will get a chance to show what they can do.

Much can change, but it's interesting to see where the Flames are starting with their combinations.

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