If the early signs are an indication, the Calgary Flames have picked up a very solid defenceman in Zach Whitecloud.

The 29-year-old, who was part of the package acquired for Rasmus Andersson, boarded a flight to Calgary on Sunday morning only to make his Flames debut later in the day. Head coach Ryan Huska didn’t attempt to ease him in, as he played nearly nine minutes in the opening frame.

Newcomer Zach Whitecloud led all skaters with 8:38 in his first period with the #Flames

— Colton Pankiw (@Coltonpankiw) January 20, 2026

“100 per cent,” Whitecloud said when asked if it made things easier being thrown into action so quickly. “When I got the call, Craig [Conroy] asked me if I’d be willing to play … Basically just threw me in headfirst and kind of hit the ground running, which was great.”

Though the Flames fell to the New Jersey Devils in overtime by a 2-1 final, it was an impressive debut for the right-shot blueliner. He logged 22:33 in ice time, during which time he blocked three shots, had two shots on goal, and was credited with a single hit.

“I felt good,” Whitecloud said. “I honestly went in with zero expectations on how I was going to feel. Busy transition for my fiance and I. Just kind of hit the ground running. Got in, got a little nap today, which was nice. Then I was able to come here a little earlier and get to know everyone, introduce myself and kind of get into a regular game day routine, which helped a lot.”

With Andersson gone, Whitecloud stepped up and played alongside Kevin Bahl. The 6-foot-6 defenceman, who had a beauty of an assist on Nazem Kadri’s ninth goal of the season, was quite impressed with what he saw in his new partner.

🔥FLAMES GOAL🔥

Nazem Kadri breaks his 13 game goalless streak on a goal set up by Kevin Bahl!

🎥: Sportsnet | #Flames pic.twitter.com/gXTppdHI2I

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) January 20, 2026

“He was good, very vocal,” Bahl explained. “I thought he had a good game. That was fun.

“I learned a lot from him. Just him getting back for pucks or him making certain plays. I think the best thing is just to get thrown into the fire there.”

Though he may not provide all of what Andersson does, Whitecloud, who won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022, quickly proved that he’s a player Huska can count on in all situations.

“I thought he actually played well, considering the circumstances,” Huska said. “I thought he skated well. I thought he made some smart plays with the puck. I was very impressed with his first one.”

Perhaps all the better is that, in a game where players are often criticized for not showing enough personality, Whitecloud showed some humour when asked what his thoughts were about being on a 2-on-1 rush early in the first period.

“Why is the parachute attached to my ass?” he said with a grin. “You couldn’t tell?”

After making his #Flames debut a day after he was acquired by the team, Zach Whitecloud spoke with the media about his whirlwind 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/bHuMiOuBMl

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 20, 2026

If this is what he can provide on little rest, Flames fans should be excited about what’s to come. His next opportunity to show what he can do will come on Wednesday night versus Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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