SportsHockeyFlames

Laine not the only free-agent forward Calgary Flames are targeting: report

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Oct 8 2026, 3:35 pm
Laine not the only free-agent forward Calgary Flames are targeting: report
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

Calgary Flames management is well aware that this start to the season isn’t acceptable.

Losses were always expected to pile up for the rebuilding organization; however, it’s the way in which they’ve been losing that has been troubling.

The Flames have been outscored by a shocking 16-3 margin, marking one of the worst starts in NHL history. That’s far from ideal in a season that is meant to build confidence amongst young talent, including Zayne Parekh, Matvei Gridin, and Sam Honzek.

The play at both ends of the ice has been ugly through the first three games of the season. Past results suggest things will get cleaned up defensively, making the bigger concern their continued offensive struggles. GM Craig Conroy seemingly agrees and may be looking for a solution.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that the Flames have interest in free-agent forward Patrik Laine. The 28-year-old remains up for grabs after playing in just five games last season due to injury.

And while the interest in Laine appears to be legitimate, it sounds as though he isn’t the only available forward the Flames have considered bringing on board.

“Patrick Laine isn’t the only free-agent forward the Calgary Flames are in conversation with after a rough start to the season,” NHL insider Frank Seravalli wrote in his latest Sportsnet column. “Still unsigned: Vladimir Tarasenko, David Perron, James van Riemsdyk, Jonathan Drouin.”

Of the list of names provided by Seravalli, the most notable at this stage in their respective careers is Tarasenko. The 34-year-old isn’t the same player he was during his time with the St. Louis Blues, but he can still provide offence, racking up 23 goals and 47 points with the Minnesota Wild in 2025-26.

The Flames can afford to be a bit patient here as nobody was expecting them to be a playoff team. They’re going to give looks to Aydar Suniev and Jonathan Castagna in hopes that they can spark something out of this group.

If that fails to be the case, don’t be surprised to see Conroy pick up the phone and bring in one of the players mentioned above on a cheap, one-year deal.

ADVERTISEMENT