Flames Notes: Kevin Bahl was no longer banging, he was just lighting things up

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Kevin Bahl doesn’t seem like the type to seek the individual spotlight, but Calgary’s newest skyscraper is thrilled to be in a market where hockey reigns first, second and third. (Sorry, stamps.)

Bahl is arguably the Flames’ biggest offseason addition – and not just because the soft-spoken blue-liner is one of the biggest guys on the roster at 6’3″ and 220 pounds. The 24-year-old left-hander is nominated for important minutes as Rasmus Andersson’s partner in the shutdown defensive duo.

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“I’m really happy to be here and to be back in Canada. I’m excited,” said Bahl, who was born in B.C., grew up in the Toronto area and played junior hockey in Ottawa before starting his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils. “Everyone knows what’s going on. All the neighbors know what’s going on. You are up to date on everyone.

“I think it’s fun to have the community behind you.”

That was clear to see on Saturday when approximately 3,000 season ticket holders attended the Bonfire kickoff party, which included sampling of new menu items at the Saddledome and a jersey raffle. (Those lucky ones who went with No. 20, No. 52 or No. 91 would also have noticed an “A” on their new sweater. That essentially confirms that Blake Coleman, MacKenzie Weegar and Nazem Kadri will be He joins Andersson and Jonathan Huberdeau in Mikael Backlund’s cast of alternate captains.)

Bahl, acquired from the Flames in the Jacob Markstrom trade, had to wait a little longer than expected to introduce himself to his new teammates and the C of Red.

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He missed the first week of practice due to a lower body injury.

He was limited to two friendlies, including just one opportunity to find his rhythm alongside Andersson. The new guy scored an assist in Friday’s final game with Backlund’s shot blocked from the top of the circle, but his calling card will be solid, steady and sometimes grumpy work in his own zone.

“It sucked because I was so excited and I was really, really trying to do everything right just so I could make a good first impression,” Bahl said of his halting start to his first camp in Calgary. “I think the most important thing is being on the ice, showing what you’re made of, finding out what the guys are like, what their style is and just showing your game. “Just going out there and working your butt off, I do I think that’s the best impression you can make.”

Now that Bahl is back in action, expect to see a lot of him.

He played all 82 games for the Devils last season, which requires both good health and a ton of trust from the coaches. There were only 33 defensemen in the entire NHL in 2023-24 who didn’t play a single game, which is no surprise considering blocking shots at 90 miles per hour is a key part of the job description.

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“That’s what I’m here for – just play as much as I can,” Bahl said. “It’s definitely a goal of mine again and I’ll definitely be proud of it.”

WAITING FOR WORD

Adam Klapka’s proud father Thomas is waiting on the phone at home.

His son asked for patience.

It almost seems like Adam has cracked the Flames’ first roster as a fourth-line right winger, but the 24-year-old from the Czech Republic is cautious about making any assumptions before confirming the news.

It sounds like dad was, let’s say, checking regularly for updates.

“You know, during camp you don’t really have much to say because you don’t really know what’s going on,” said Adam, who was the AHL’s Wranglers’ leading scorer last winter and has made six appearances with the Flames appointed. “I’m just trying to tell him to wait until I find out more information. I mean, he watches every game, he’s really excited about this opportunity for me, so I hope it turns out well and I can give him good news.

“He’s been with me since I grew up. He took me to all my practices. So I know he deserves to be the first to hear the news. He would be the first person I call.”

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Boil, then cut open

It’s tradition for the Flames to get together for a barbecue on the last weekend of training camp. While some of the participants will be assigned to the Wranglers before Monday’s roster submission deadline, the message is simple: “If you made it this far, you will be part of the team this season.”

This final BBQ will feature 27 players – 16 forwards, eight defensemen and three goalkeepers. Four names must be shortened by Monday at 3:00 p.m. MT. (There were no Flames on the waiver claim as of Saturday, so general manager Craig Conroy isn’t giving any indication yet.)

“We’ve talked a lot about the new depth we think we have,” Flames coach Ryan Huska reiterated after Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Jets in the preseason finale. “There are a lot of people who have put on very good camps for us.”

ICE CHIPS: The Flames’ next practice is Monday, so there may not be a weekend update on Yegor Sharangovich’s status. The 26-year-old striker left early on Friday after tripping and falling awkwardly. “Shark” was the Flames’ leading scorer last season with 31 goals and is expected to play on both the front line and the top power play unit.

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