As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games wind down, attention shifts back to the NHL, with the Calgary Flames preparing for the upcoming trade deadline on March 6th. With potential roster changes on the horizon, the Flames could open spots for key players from their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. This article examines which Wranglers stars may be next in line for NHL call-ups, focusing on their performance and fit within the Flames roster.
Rory Kerins: Promising Offensive Talent Ready for More Opportunities
Rory Kerins stands out as a prime candidate for an NHL recall. Selected by the Flames in the 6th round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Kerins has consistently displayed his scoring prowess since his days in the OHL, continuing to excel at the AHL level. He made his NHL debut in January 2025 and immediately contributed by recording his first NHL point on his initial shift against the Chicago Blackhawks.
During that season, Kerins played five games with the Flames, tallying four assists—an impressive output given limited opportunities. He then delivered a breakout performing in the AHL, with 33 goals and 61 points in 63 games, earning recognition as an AHL all-star. Despite this, Kerins has struggled to secure a steady NHL role.
So far this season, Kerins has appeared in just two Flames games but remains a high scorer in the AHL with 39 points across 46 games. His skill set makes him a strong candidate to fill the Flames’ third-line forward spot, potentially replacing someone like Blake Coleman. His ability to provide secondary scoring makes waiting for his consistent NHL chance increasingly compelling.
William Stromgren: Emerging as a Depth Forward Option
William Stromgren also emerges as a potential NHL call-up deserving further consideration. Now in his third full season with the Wranglers, Stromgren had a brief stint with the Flames this year, appearing in three games. However, limited ice time under coach Ryan Huska curtailed his ability to showcase his abilities before being sent back to the AHL.
Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Stromgren transitioned from playing in Sweden to becoming a key part of Calgary’s minor league squad. After an adjustment period, he broke out in the 2024–25 season with 49 points in 70 games, indicating his potential to serve as a reliable depth forward.
This current season marks Stromgren’s best to date, collecting 31 points in 43 AHL games. His playing style and production could slot him into a third-line role similar to Kerins, offering additional offensive contributions. His previous limited NHL exposure raises questions about whether he will receive another chance at the higher level soon.
Sam Morton: Undrafted Grit and Unexpected NHL Impact
Sam Morton’s path to the NHL has been unconventional, joining the Flames organization as an undrafted free agent after playing college hockey. He concluded the 2023–24 season with the Wranglers, posting seven points in 13 games, and then cemented a full-time role in the AHL for 2024–25. Morton’s style is that of a hardworking grinder, playing with intensity and setting the tone on the ice.
During the 2024–25 season, Morton scored 20 goals and accumulated 45 points in 70 games, which earned him his NHL debut in the final Flames game of the regular season. Remarkably, he scored his first NHL goal in that debut, contributing to a victory over a competitive Los Angeles Kings team—an exceptional milestone for the 25-year-old.
Morton has since kept up strong performance at the AHL level and, having appeared in only three NHL games this season, remains a likely candidate for call-ups, especially if the Flames need a player who combines grit with occasional scoring.
Dryden Hunt: Veteran Leadership and Consistent AHL Scoring
Veteran forward Dryden Hunt is another established option for NHL depth scoring. Like Morton, Hunt was undrafted and carved out a career through persistence. After initial NHL appearances with the Florida Panthers and several other teams—including the Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, and Toronto Maple Leafs—Hunt joined the Flames organization through a trade in March 2023.
Frequently one of the first players called up from the Wranglers, Hunt has built a reputation as a reliable AHL scorer, nearing a point-per-game pace over multiple seasons. In the 2023–24 NHL season, he appeared in 28 Flames games, amassing three goals and eight points despite limited ice time.
Hunt has maintained his standout offensive production at the AHL level over the past two seasons and currently leads the Wranglers in points. Though he is a more seasoned player, Hunt remains a viable option for bottom-six minutes in the NHL, providing scoring and experience when the Flames need depth forwards.
Looking Ahead: What the Flames’ NHL Call-Up Decisions Could Mean
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the Calgary Flames are poised to adjust their roster, potentially opening the door for several Wranglers players to step into NHL roles. Rory Kerins and William Stromgren offer youthful scoring depth and third-line options, while Sam Morton and Dryden Hunt provide grit and veteran experience capable of contributing key depth minutes.
These call-ups are not only crucial to addressing short-term roster needs but also signify the Flames’ broader strategy to build depth through their AHL affiliate. As the Olympic Games conclude and the NHL returns to full swing, Flames fans will be watching closely to see which of these prospects earn a consistent opportunity on the Calgary roster.
