The Calgary Flames will be without one of their most dependable veterans a little longer. Head coach Ryan Huska confirmed that forward Blake Coleman will remain sidelined through the Olympic break as he continues to recover from an upper-body injury.
Coleman, who hasn’t suited up since January 8, has been skating in a yellow non-contact jersey during recent practices, but the team is opting to take a cautious approach. With just four games left before the break, Calgary is choosing to prioritize long-term health over short-term gain.
“Unfortunately, now, we’re going to shut him down until the break, so we won’t see him until after the break,” Huska said following practice at the Saddledome on Wednesday. “He’s an important piece of our team for sure, so we miss him.”
That’s not just coach-speak - Coleman’s absence is being felt in multiple areas of the game. Through 44 games this season, the 34-year-old ranks second on the team with 13 goals and has chipped in 21 points. His plus-10 rating is among the best on the roster, and his two-way chemistry with captain Mikael Backlund continues to be a major asset, especially at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill.
Coleman's impact goes beyond the scoresheet. He brings a relentless motor, championship pedigree, and a defensive edge that has made him a key figure in Calgary’s top-six forward group since arriving in 2021. That summer, the Flames signed him to a six-year deal worth $4.9 million annually after he hit free agency fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Last season, Coleman hit a career-high with 30 goals - a testament to how well he’s adapted to Calgary’s system and the trust the coaching staff has placed in him. This year, he’s once again been a steady presence, even as the team has struggled to find consistency.
In his absence, the Flames have had to reshuffle. Young winger Matt Coronato, along with Yegor Sharangovich and Joel Farabee, have been tasked with picking up the slack - both on the Backlund line and on the penalty kill. It’s a tall order, especially for a team currently sitting 30th in the league standings with a 21-25-6 record and 48 points through 52 games.
Coleman’s veteran presence and playoff experience - 668 career games, 163 goals, 311 points, and two Stanley Cups - are tough to replace. And while he still has a year and a half left on his current deal, his name has quietly surfaced in trade circles, given his performance and the Flames’ place in the standings.
But for now, the focus is on getting him healthy. The Flames return to action after the Olympic break on February 26 in San Jose, and if all goes according to plan, Coleman will be ready to rejoin a team that could use a jolt of energy and experience down the stretch.