Calgary Flames Prepare for New NHL Season with Rookies in Key Positions

With the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, the Calgary Flames are fielding a roster that includes new faces in pivotal roles. After a previous season that saw a rotating lineup of centers, Flames head coach Ryan Huska announced that Martin Pospisil will take on the role of center alongside Jonathan Huberdeau and new free-agent signing Anthony Mantha.

Pospisil, who gained attention last season for his aggressive play in the American Hockey League before being called up, signed a two-year contract extension with the Flames. Known for his physical style and offensive capabilities, the 24-year-old Slovakian player is slated to bring a new dynamic to the Flames’ offense. “I feel like the third period of the last [preseason] game they played together was the best they’ve played together, so hopefully that’s a sign of them starting to get a bit of chemistry together,” commented Huska, reflecting on the recent practices.

This shift to center comes as Pospisil aims to add versatility to his game, having played the position during Slovakia’s Olympic qualifying matches this past summer. “The challenge with him in the middle is to make sure he plays the same way that made him a good NHL player,” Huska further explained during Tuesday’s practice. He emphasized the importance of positioning and the added responsibilities that come with playing center.

Pospisil himself is eager to rise to the challenge. “Pospy is one of his own,” teammate Jonathan Huberdeau remarked. “He’s a guy that creates room for his linemates…it’s good for him to get that centreman aspect into his game.” Despite Huberdeau’s recent struggles in Calgary, the Flames are hopeful that Pospisil’s aggressive style and potential to form effective offensive combinations will rejuvenate the team’s performance.”

Heading into their season opener against Vancouver on Wednesday, the Flames project a lineup that aims to inject youth and enthusiasm into their campaign. Veteran center Nazem Kadri pointed out the overlooked talent within the squad. “I think there’s a little more certainty in this dressing room, right?” he mentioned, indicating a sense of preparedness and determination.

Flames fans are particularly intrigued to see how the new mixtures of talent will play out, with projected lines including Honzek-Kadri-Kuzmenko and Zary-Backlund-Coleman.

The defensive lineup will feature pairings such as Weegar–Miromanov and Bahl–Andersson, with Vladar and Wolf expected to manage the goaltending duties.