Calgary Flames coach Ryan Huska deserves a contract extension
Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska was able to get a lot out of a rather underwhelming roster in 2024-25.
Despite having a much weaker roster on paper than they had going into the 2023-24 season, the Flames were able to take a 15-point jump in 2024-25. Their valiant efforts weren’t quite enough to get into the playoffs, but it was an impressive effort from a group that had very low expectations heading into the season.
Realizing that his roster wasn’t going to be a high-scoring group, Huska was able to get his team to buy into strong defensive play. It didn’t always result in the most exciting hockey, but the results spoke for themselves, as the Flames were able to pick up 41 wins, the most of any team that didn’t make the playoffs.
The 2024-25 season marked Huska’s second as the Flames’ head coach, meaning that he is now entering the final year of his three-year contract he signed when promoted in June 2023. While the on-ice results in 2025-26 will play a large part in Huska’s future, GM Craig Conroy did express interest in a contract extension with his head coach earlier this summer.
“I think Ryan has done an amazing job,ā Conroy said in an appearance on Barnburner. āWe took a step and now, weāre always hoping to take another step. Thatās the goal: take another step, get better. But as far as timing, I donāt think for me it doesnāt means as much. I donāt think itās like, āoh my god,ā itās something bad. Heās not a lame duck coach. Heās done a great job for us, and when we do get time and we both can agree on a deal, I would love to do something with him.ā
Aside from keeping the Flames competitive in the standings, Huska has also played a part in several players, particularly young talent, taking large steps forward. The 22-year-old Matt Coronato is the best example, having put up 24 goals in what was his second pro season.
Yegor Sharangovich, while regressing in 2024-25, had a career season under Huska in 2023-24, as did Blake Coleman. Connor Zary had a very impressive rookie campaign in 2023-24 and was off to another solid start last season before two knee injuries got in the way.
Even Jonathan Huberdeau serves as an example, as he was able to adapt well to Huska’s systems in 2024-25, putting together what was his best season as a Flame. His numbers are still well below what was expected, but he’s become a much more responsible 200-foot player.
Seeing these strides, particularly with the young players given the Flames’ retooling stage, bodes well for the future of the organization and is a solid reflection of the job Huska has done to date. Should things continue in a positive direction this coming season, the 50-year-old is more than deserving of an extension.