This is the final installment of our look at the best Calgary Flames based on their jersey number. We’ve seen a ton of talent that has represented the Flames franchise over the last 52 years. Although we won’t see a representative for every number in this set, we still have some impactful and current Flames, starting with number 91.
Best Calgary Flames By Jersey Number: 91-99
#91 – Nazem Kadri (Centre)
Kadri signed a massive seven-year 49 million-dollar contract in the summer of 2022. He was coming off a career year offensively that ended with him lifting the Stanley Cup. His first season with the Flames started off strong, but finished ugly. Over that campaign, Kadri managed to score just 56 points, a steep drop from the 87 points he scored for Colorado the previous season. His beef with head coach Darryl Sutter was well documented and his season ended much like that of the Flames, in bitter disappointment. However, just one year later, Kadri has bounced back. He scored a solid 29 goals and 75 points and was arguably the Flames best player all year. Furthermore, he showed his willingness to lead, taking young players under his wing and forming an exciting line with rookies Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil. His improved play has led to trade rumours from contending teams interested in Kardi. It will be exciting to see how this next season plays out.
Honourable Mention – Calle Jarnkrok (Centre)
Jarnkrok joined Calgary at the 2021-2022 trade deadline. He was expected to provide additional depth to the Flames and help during their playoff run. Unfortunately, Jarnkrok never found his groove in Calgary. He scored just 4 points in 17 regular season games and struggled to find chemistry with any Flames players. He contributed 1 goal and 3 assists as the Flames lost in the second round to their rivals the Edmonton Oilers. Following the disappointment Jarnkrok would sign with Toronto that summer.
#92 – Michael Nylander (Centre)
Nylander spent five seasons with the franchise during the 90’s. He was a solid offensive contributor for the Flames. His best season with the Flames came in the 1995-1996 season when he scored 55 points, including 17 goals. Nylander finished his time in Calgary with 168 games played and 108 points.
#93 – Sam Bennett (Centre)
One of the best Calgary Flames to wear 93 was a homegrown pick. The 4th overall draft pick in 2014 came to Calgary with a lot of hype and optimism. He made his NHL debut in the final game of the 2014-2015 season and recorded 1 point in his debut. Flames fans were ecstatic at the potential of Bennett. The thought of Bennett behind Sean Monahan down the middle had Flames fans dreaming of a true cup contender. Unfortunately, his time with the Flames was marked by inconsistent play. Bennett was unable to carve out a consistent role in the Flames top-six and was used primarily in a depth role. He showed flashes of offensive skill but never managed to break the 20-goal plateau, or 40-point mark with the franchise. His time in Calgary will be remembered for his unfulfilled potential. A change of scenery proved beneficial for Bennett who was traded to Florida during the 2020-2021 season and would go on to secure a top-six role, and eventually a Stanley Cup.
Honourable Mention – Mike Cammalleri (Left Wing)
Cammalleri played parts of four seasons in Calgary, but only one season wearing the number 93. During the 2011-2012 season, Cammalleri provided some offensive punch for the Flames, scoring 11 goals in 28 games.
#94 – Brayden Pachal (Defenceman)
Pachal was picked up off waivers by the Flames during the 2023-2024 season. During the 33 games he played in Calgary, Pachal carved out a role as a third-pairing defenceman. He brought physicality and consistency as a sixth defenceman for the Flames after that slot had been a rotating position all season long. Pachal will be looking to build on his solid first season in Calgary and hopefully solidify himself as a true NHLer.
#96 – Andrei Kuzmenko (Right Wing)
Kuzmenko joined the Flames for the end of the 2023-2024 season as part of the Elias Lindholm trade. He was in the middle of a rough season in Vancouver after a 39-goal year the previous year. Kuzmenko got off to a slow start in Calgary including time on the fourth line and in the stands. Despite this, Kuzmenko would find his groove late and finish his time in Calgary with 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games. Flames fans are hoping for a hot start to his second season in Calgary. It will be interesting to see if he can get back to the player who scored 74 points and 39 goals in his NHL season.
#98 – Ilya Solovyov (Defenceman)
Ilya Solovyov suited up for 10 games during the 2023-2024 season. This was the 23-year-old’s first NHL action. Solovyov managed to score three points in 10 games and looked okay. He did not stand out enough to stay with the big club but did take a step in his development. Solovyov currently remains an unsigned RFA, but it is believed he and the Flames are working towards a new contract.
A Fun Journey Concluded
In total, 87 jersey numbers have been worn by Flames players during their franchise’s history. The Flames have a long history with many incredible players, including Hall of Famers and hockey icons. It’s been a blast to look at some of the best players in Flames franchise history. Be sure to check out how other teams compare.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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