The Calgary Flames are down one piece of their defensive depth after Andreas Englund was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.
Englund had been placed on waivers by Calgary as the team continues trimming its roster ahead of setting its 2026-27 opening lineup. The 30-year-old joined the Flames as a free agent this summer after a brief stop in Nashville’s system.
A Swedish left-shot defenceman, Englund has built a long pro résumé that stretches across the NHL, AHL and SHL, along with international experience. He has played 200 NHL games, 352 in the AHL and 95 in the SHL.
Seven other players cleared waivers and are headed to the American Hockey League’s Calgary Wranglers: defencemen Mike Benning and Jake Livingstone, and forwards Dryden Hunt, Ben Jones, Rory Kerins, Sam Morton and William Stromgren.
Benning, 24, came to the Flames this summer as a free agent after three seasons in Florida’s system, including a stint with the NHL club last summer. A right-shot defenceman, he’s also Matt Benning’s younger brother.
Livingstone, 27, also arrived as a Flames free agent after time in Florida’s system. The B.C. native is a right-shot defender who played college hockey at Minnesota State Mankato and was a Second Team All-American.
Hunt is heading into his fourth full season in the Flames organization. The 30-year-old left-shot forward can play either wing and move between the NHL and AHL as needed, making him a useful all-purpose piece for the Wranglers.
Jones, 27, is back with Calgary as a free agent after a stint in Minnesota’s system that included plenty of NHL time. He’s a left-shot centre who can also handle wing duties, and he previously spent time with the Wranglers.
Kerins, 24, a Flames sixth-round pick in 2020, has emerged as one of the more intriguing players in the system. The left-shot forward can line up at centre or wing, and while he may not be a classic play-driver, his offensive instincts stand out when it comes to finding the right spot for a pass or getting a quick shot away.
Morton, 27, signed with Calgary out of college from Minnesota State Mankato and has grown into an important two-way centre in the system. He has appeared in the NHL in each of the past two seasons and could be in the mix again this year.
Stromgren, 23, was a second-round pick by the Flames in 2021 and has become a key part of the Wranglers in every situation. He also saw NHL action last season, and the Flames will be watching to see what he can build on from here.
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Flames Already Have A New Blue Line Question After Camp
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Detroit stepped in and claimed Englund off waivers, adding another experienced NHL depth option to its back end. For Calgary, it is a reminder that the preseason competition did not settle every question on defense, and the organization is still sorting out how the group will look after a camp decision opened up another vacancy. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Center Buzz Could Create Another Atlantic Headache For Ottawa
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