Calgary Flames Enter Training Camp With Brennan Othmann Still Without a Contract

The Calgary Flames are preparing to begin training camp with one forward still without a contract, leaving general manager Craig Conroy with one important piece of unfinished business as the new NHL season approaches.

The Flames are scheduled to take the ice Thursday for the official opening of training camp, but Brennan Othmann will not yet have a new deal in place. The 23 year old forward remains a restricted free agent with the 2026 to 27 season now less than two weeks away.

Conroy managed to complete most of Calgary’s roster work during the offseason, but negotiations with Othmann have not produced an agreement. The situation is particularly notable because the Flames made a move at last season’s trade deadline specifically to bring the young forward into the organization.

Calgary acquired Othmann from the New York Rangers on trade deadline day in exchange for forward prospect Jacob Battaglia. The Flames clearly saw potential in Othmann, making the decision to part with a developing prospect in order to add him to their system.

After joining the organization, Othmann spent 14 games with the Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League. He recorded one goal and six assists during that stretch. He also received an opportunity with the Flames, appearing in two NHL games and producing one goal and one assist.

Those numbers provide only a small sample of what Othmann can offer, but his previous professional experience gives Calgary reason to remain interested in his development.

Othmann entered the NHL system as a highly regarded prospect after being selected 16th overall by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft. Before arriving in Calgary, he appeared in 42 NHL games for New York across three seasons.

His ability to produce offensively has been more evident at the AHL level than in the NHL. That difference could be an important factor in the ongoing contract negotiations.

Othmann has demonstrated that he can score and create opportunities in the minors, but he has yet to establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor. For a player at this stage of his career, the structure and value of a new contract can therefore become particularly important.

One possible sticking point could involve whether Othmann is seeking a one way NHL contract. Such an agreement would provide him with NHL level compensation even if he spends part of the season in the AHL.

Another possibility is that negotiations are focused on the amount of money Othmann would receive if he were assigned to the Wranglers. If Calgary believes he still needs more development time in the AHL, the player’s representatives could be seeking stronger financial protection at that level.

Neither side has publicly confirmed the specific reason for the delay, meaning the details of the negotiations remain private.

From Calgary’s perspective, the timing is becoming increasingly important. Training camp is an opportunity for players to compete for positions, and Othmann’s absence from the contract list could complicate his ability to make the strongest possible impression on the coaching staff.

At the same time, the situation does not necessarily mean Othmann is outside Calgary’s plans for opening night.

The Flames acquired him because they believe he has the potential to become an NHL regular. A strong training camp could give the young forward a chance to demonstrate that he is ready to take the next step.

Othmann’s offensive production in the AHL suggests there is a foundation to build on. The challenge now is translating that success to the NHL level, where he has had limited opportunities so far.

His two appearances with Calgary last season produced encouraging results, with a goal and an assist in a small sample. Those performances alone are not enough to establish him as an NHL regular, but they give him something to build upon entering the new campaign.

The Flames also have to balance their short term roster needs with Othmann’s long term development. Giving him a larger NHL opportunity could accelerate his progress, while another extended stretch with the Wranglers could allow him to gain confidence and consistency.

For Othmann, training camp could therefore be more than simply preparation for the season. It could represent an opportunity to change the conversation surrounding his future with the organization.

A productive camp could put pressure on the Flames to find room for him on the opening night roster. If he performs strongly against established NHL players and demonstrates greater consistency, Calgary could have a difficult decision to make.

Before any of that happens, however, Othmann needs to become officially signed.

The Flames have already completed much of their offseason roster construction, leaving the young forward as the remaining unsigned piece. With the regular season approaching quickly, both the organization and the player have a reason to resolve the situation soon.

For Calgary, the objective will be to secure a contract that fits the club’s plans while continuing to develop a player who was once considered a significant prospect. For Othmann, the priority will be proving that he can turn his AHL scoring ability into reliable NHL production.

The next few days could therefore be important for both sides. If a deal is reached before or during training camp, Othmann will have the opportunity to compete directly for an NHL roster spot.

If the negotiations continue, the Flames will begin camp without one of the young forwards they acquired specifically because they saw potential in his future.

With the season only weeks away, the next step in Brennan Othmann’s Calgary career may depend first on getting his name on a contract and then showing the Flames that he is ready for a larger role at the NHL level.

Courtesy: dailyhive