The Calgary Flames have been a middling team in the NHL for a number of years now, but under Craig Conroy, the entire organization has finally chosen a direction to go in. While some aren't happy with a potential rebuild, it's happening all the same, and with a plethora of draft picks moving forward, things have started strong for Calgary.
Unfortunately, that means there's going to be a few years of struggle for the team, and in 2026/27, they could be one of, if not the worst team in the entire National Hockey League. That appears to be ESPN's outlook as well, as they recently gave their power rankings following the Stanley Cup Final, with the Flames coming in at No. 30 on their list.
The Carolina Hurricanes are 2026 Stanley Cup champions! 🏒
— ESPN (@espn) June 15, 2026
While the team and its fans continue the celebration, it's time to look ahead to the fall with our way-too-early edition of the NHL power rankings. https://t.co/9mT4SD1vKs
Unsurprisingly, ESPN consider Calgary one of the worst teams in the entire league, as their rank hasn't changed since their last update, as they remain 30th overall in the NHL, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks. Despite their rank, ESPN have praised the Flames for their future outlook, with eight picks in the first three-rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft, six first-round picks in the next three years and some incredibly exciting young prospects.
Sure, that's going to be good for the Flames in the future, and it's the direction that the team need to be heading in if they are to be consistent contenders, but right now, that's going to equal a lot of pain and suffering for the fanbase. There's always a chance that the team get lucky and hit on an immediate star in the NHL Draft, but right now, the Flames immediate outlook doesn't look good, with ESPN being right on the money here.
