The biggest storylines for the Flames this week revolve entirely around trade deadline speculation and the surprise performance of Team Slovakia.
The Martin Pospisil & Slovakia Cinderella Run
The biggest shock of the Olympic tournament has been Team Slovakia, featuring Flames forward Martin Pospisil. Against all odds, Slovakia finished first in Group B, outpacing heavyweights Finland and Sweden to earn a bye directly to the Quarterfinals.
Pospisil has been a key agitator and energy player for the Slovaks. They await the winner of Germany vs. France for a winnable game on Wednesday, giving a current Flames player a legitimate shot at an Olympic medal—something few predicted.
The “Ghost Roster”: Former Flames Everywhere
Calgary fans watching the Olympics are seeing a lot of familiar faces, highlighting the massive roster turnover of the last few years.
Jacob Markstrom (SWE), Elias Lindholm (SWE), Rasmus Andersson (SWE): Playing for Sweden but are no longer with Calgary (Markstrom is with the New Jersey Devils; Lindholm with the Boston Bruins; Andersson with the Vegas Golden Knights).
Matthew Tkachuk (USA) & Noah Hanifin (USA): Looking to win gold with a juggernaut US team.
Dan Vladar (CZE): The former Flames goalie is representing Czechia (now with the Philadelphia Flyers).
Adam Ruzicka (SVK): Former Flame no longer in the NHL.
The Rest & Recovery Phase
For the Flames players not in Italy—including Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Jonathan Huberdeau, and goaltender Dustin Wolf (who was a bubble candidate for Team USA but did not make the final cut)—this week is vital for rest.
Tank Watch
The Flames currently sit low in the standings, well-positioned for a high lottery pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (potentially targeting top prospect Gavin McKenna).
Related – Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Men’s Hockey Olympic Schedule This Week
| Date | Event / Activity | Notes |
| Tue, Feb 17 | Olympic Qualification Playoffs | Teams not receiving a bye play to enter Quarterfinals. |
| Wed, Feb 18 | Olympic Quarterfinals | Winners advance to medal rounds. |
| Fri, Feb 20 | Olympic Semifinals | Winners advance to the Gold Medal Game. |
| Sat, Feb 21 | Bronze Medal Game | 2:10 PM ET. |
| Sun, Feb 22 | Gold Medal Game | 8:10 AM ET. Conclusion of Olympic Tournament. |
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