The Calgary Flames wrapped up November looking far more competitive than they did in October - and while that’s not exactly a high bar to clear, it’s a step in the right direction. Despite a lopsided loss to the Nashville Predators that sent them tumbling back to the bottom of the standings, the overall play across the roster showed signs of life. And for a team with several potential trade chips, that kind of upward trend matters - both in the standings and in the eyes of scouts across the league.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the Flames’ top performers from the past month, and why their recent play could have ripple effects beyond just the box score.
Rasmus Andersson, RD
It’s been a rollercoaster season for Rasmus Andersson, but November may have been one of the best stretches of his career. After a sluggish start - much like the rest of the Flames’ roster - Andersson found his rhythm and started to look like the top-pairing defenseman Calgary needs him to be.
He racked up 14 points in 15 games during November, earning NHL Player of the Week honors along the way. That offensive surge pushed him to second on the team in scoring with 18 points through 28 games - trailing only Nazem Kadri.
But it’s not just the points. Andersson is logging a team-high 24:27 of ice time per night, anchoring the blue line in all situations.
That kind of production and workload doesn’t go unnoticed - especially with his contract status looming. Andersson is set to hit free agency, and if Calgary decides to test the market, there will be no shortage of contenders lining up for a shot at acquiring a right-shot defenseman who can move the puck, quarterback the power play, and handle big minutes. His November couldn’t have come at a better time.
Joel Farabee, LW
When Joel Farabee arrived in Calgary as part of the Morgan Frost trade, expectations were muted - and understandably so. He managed just six points in the final 31 games of last season, and there were real questions about whether he could carve out a meaningful role with the Flames, let alone revive his NHL career.
But November brought a different version of Farabee. The 25-year-old winger turned in his most encouraging stretch since joining the team, tallying eight points in 15 games. More importantly, he was generating chances at a high rate - trailing only the dependable duo of Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman in shot and scoring chance metrics.
Farabee may never hit the 70-point ceiling that the Flyers envisioned when they took him 14th overall back in 2018. Neck surgery and a rocky tenure under former Flyers coach John Tortorella have altered that trajectory.
But what he’s showing now is a player who can contribute as a reliable middle-six winger - someone who chips in 40-50 points, plays responsibly without the puck, and doesn’t hurt you defensively. For a team in transition, that’s a valuable piece to have.
Nazem Kadri, C
Kadri isn’t going anywhere contract-wise - he’s signed long-term - but that hasn’t stopped his name from surfacing in trade conversations. At 35, he’s still playing a strong two-way game and producing enough to draw interest from teams looking to bolster their second-line center spot ahead of the deadline.
The question is less about what Kadri could fetch in a deal - the return would likely be substantial - and more about whether Calgary is willing to move him at all. His leadership, experience, and versatility make him a stabilizing force in the locker room, especially for a team with younger players finding their way. But if the Flames lean into a full rebuild, Kadri could be one of the most attractive veteran trade chips on the market.
Bottom Line
The Flames are still a work in progress, but November offered a glimpse of what this team can look like when things start to click - and for players like Andersson and Farabee, it was a reminder of the value they can bring, whether in Calgary or elsewhere.
With the trade deadline slowly creeping into view, performances like these matter. Not just for the standings, but for shaping the future of the franchise.