Flames Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Playing Spoiler, Maatta’s Resurgence and More – The Hockey Writers – Calgary Flames

Here is a look at the key storylines and upcoming schedule for the Calgary Flames for the week of March 29 to April 4, 2026.

Olli Maatta’s Resurgence

The biggest on-ice story right now is the sudden offensive explosion from veteran defenseman Olli Maatta. Acquired on March 4 in the trade that sent MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth, Maatta has looked completely rejuvenated.

After being a frequent healthy scratch in Utah, he just scored the game-winning goal in Saturday night’s 7-3 blowout win against the Vancouver Canucks and has racked up 10 points in his first 12 games with Calgary.

The Rebuild and the Youth Movement

The Flames’ front office has officially signaled a new era. Following the March 6 trade of veteran center Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche for draft capital and prospects, Calgary is giving its young players a long runway. Recent college free-agent signing Tyson Gross is making his way into the lineup, and 23-year-old Brennan Othmann (acquired from the New York Rangers) made his debut against the Canucks as the team assesses its future core.

Late-Season Spoilers

Sitting at 31-34-8 (70 points) and 7th in the Pacific Division, the Flames are effectively out of the playoff race. However, they are showing plenty of fight. Fresh off their win over the Canucks, they are proving to be a tough out for contenders trying to secure playoff seeding.

Flames Upcoming Schedule

The Flames are heading out on a tough three-game road trip against formidable Western Conference opponents. They will face a heavy test against the Central Division-leading Colorado Avalanche, followed by matchups against two Pacific Division rivals fighting for playoff positioning.

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