Calgary Flames eye forward free agents as Simon Nemec contract raises stakes

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy has indicated the team may explore the free‑agent market to address forward depth, despite earlier comments that the club would likely avoid extensive free‑agency activity. The Flames recently bolstered their defence by acquiring Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils on a five‑year, US$7.25 million AAV deal that cost two conditional first‑round picks, a second‑round pick and prospect Etienne Morin, marking what analysts call Conroy’s biggest gamble.

With the defensive roster now featuring Nemec, Jacob Middleton and several young prospects, the Flames are evaluating options such as 27‑year‑old Eeli Tolvanen, who posted 36 points with the Seattle Kraken, or veteran forward Michael Bunting, a 30‑year‑old known for gritty, net‑front play. Both are seen as low‑risk additions that could provide immediate scoring support while the club continues to develop its younger forwards.

The moves reflect Calgary’s broader strategy to balance the risk of Nemec’s contract, which could become a liability if he fails to meet expectations, with the need for reliable forward depth as the team moves out of its rebuild phase.