As the Calgary Flames look to take a step forward in their retooling efforts, don’t be surprised if some fresh faces start making more regular appearances on the blue line. All drafted in 2020, these three defencemen have spent the past few seasons developing within the Flames system—and now, they’re knocking louder than ever on the NHL door. Here’s a look at three homegrown blueliners Flames fans should keep a close eye on in 2025-26: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f3c2ba25-0554-48a6-b9f9-d83bb58b0780.jpeg] © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images ILYA SOLOVYOV – THE NEXT ONE UP? At 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, Ilya Solovyov brings a solid frame, a smooth skating stride, and a physical edge that makes him a natural fit on an NHL blue line. After being selected in the seventh round (205th overall) back in 2020, Solovyov has developed steadily through the Wranglers system and got his feet wet in the NHL last season with five appearances. He picked up an assist in those games and showed flashes of the two-way potential that has made him a standout in the AHL. Last season with the Wranglers, Solovyov turned heads with his poise, offensive instincts, and ability to jump into the rush when the opportunity presents itself. He’s shown he can move the puck and bring some bite defensively, making him a strong candidate to push for a full-time NHL role coming out of training camp. He’s entering year two on his deal with the Flames worth $1.55 million total. The first year was a two-way contract, but it turns into a one-way deal this season — indicating the organization believes he’s close to sticking around with the big club. © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/08f6e068-b82a-4801-9774-f2ff1440418c.jpeg] © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images YAN KUZNETSOV – QUIETLY CLIMBING If Solovyov is the flashier puck-mover, Yan Kuznetsov is his quieter, steadier counterpart. Drafted in the second round (50th overall) in 2020, Kuznetsov plays a traditional stay-at-home style that’s built on smart positioning, physical strength, and sound decision-making. He made his NHL debut on January 9, 2024, against the Ottawa Senators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/ottawa-senators], and while it was just a single appearance, it showed that he’s next in line to be trusted in a shutdown role. Last season in the AHL, he posted an impressive plus-21 rating with the Wranglers, alongside 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 72 games—showcasing his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. The Flames clearly see value in his progression, re-signing Kuznetsov this summer to a two-year contract that goes to a one-way in its second year. That puts him firmly in the mix for more NHL time this season. © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/87d91a42-9801-44da-ab52-66525a9a636f.jpeg] © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images JEREMIE POIRIER – HIGH RISK, HIGH REWARD Few prospects within the Flames’ pipeline bring as much offensive upside from the back end as Jeremie Poirier. Taken in the third round (72nd overall), Poirier is a dynamic skater with a natural flair for jumping into the rush, threading passes, and running the power play. When he’s dialed in, he looks like a future 50-point NHL defender. Injury slowed him down during his second pro season, but he bounced back strong in 2024-25, putting up 42 points (5 goals, 37 assists) in 71 games. His minus-9 rating highlights the ongoing need for more consistency and defensive discipline—but the raw tools are undeniable. With rookie Zayne Parekh [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/players/flames-rookie-phenom-zayne-parekh-ready-for-prime-time] now in the system, it may have pushed Poirier down the depth chart, but his experience could still make him an intriguing option for some NHL consideration. Poirier is signed through 2025-26 on a deal worth $775,000. He’ll be an RFA after that, and this season could be a defining one in determining whether he takes the next step in his NHL journey. FINAL THOUGHTS The Flames have been patient in developing their young defensive core, and now that patience may start paying off. Solovyov looks ready to push for a full-time roster spot, Kuznetsov continues to prove himself as a reliable depth option, and Poirier brings the kind of offensive firepower that could make him a fan favourite—if he can round out the rest of his game. All three have taken different paths, but they share a common thread: drafted by the Flames in 2020, developed within the system, and now on the verge of becoming NHL regulars. Keep an eye on this trio—because chances are, you’ll be seeing a lot more of them in Calgary this season. © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images Follow Bryan Wilson on X! [https://x.com/bryanwilsonhky?s=21]
