Flames re-sign Ilya Solovyov and Cole Schwindt
Just before training camp began, Solovyov signed a new contract with the Flames. The team announced on Thursday that he agreed to a two-year deal, with an NHL salary cap hit of $775,000. This season, his contract is two-way, but it switches to a one-way deal for the 2025-26 season.
Now 24, Solovyov faces increased pressure to secure a regular spot in the NHL, especially with the Flames’ blue line suddenly crowded with prospects. Last season, he played in 10 games, tallying three assists and a minus-3 rating. He also blocked 17 shots and delivered 14 hits.
Heading into training camp, three defensemen are guaranteed every-night roles on the Flames’ roster: Rasmus Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, and newcomer Kevin Bahl, who played all 82 games last season with the New Jersey Devils before being traded to Calgary in the Jacob Markstrom deal.
Daniil Miromanov and newly signed Jake Bean are also expected to be regulars, while Brayden Pachal, Joel Hanley, and Jarred Tinordi are in contention for remaining spots. Tyson Barrie, on a professional tryout offer, is also competing for a role. Solovyov, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 208 pounds, will be pushing for one of these openings.
Meanwhile, forward Cole Schwindt is aiming to make the Flames’ roster as a bottom-six center. The 23-year-old has played in seven NHL games so far, four of which were last season. In the minors, he was a key contributor, finishing fourth in scoring for the Wranglers with 36 points in the 2023-24 season and leading the team with four playoff goals. If Schwindt secures a spot in the NHL, his new contract will carry a cap hit of $800,000.