Eugene Erick – Inside The Rink
The Calgary Wranglers enter the 2026-27 AHL season with a roster that could look significantly different by the time the season begins. After another competitive year in the Pacific Division, Calgary will rely on returning veterans, developing prospects, and new additions to make another push for the Calder Cup Playoffs.
The biggest challenge remains familiar. The Wranglers must balance winning games with developing prospects for the Calgary Flames.
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William Strömgren Could Take Another Step
William Strömgren enters the 2026-27 season as one of the most intriguing young players in the organization. The Swedish forward earned AHL Player of the Week honors during the 2025-26 season, showing the potential that made him a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Strömgren should receive another opportunity to play a significant role in Calgary. If he can become a consistent scoring threat, the Wranglers could have another dangerous young forward developing at the AHL level. He finished last season with 11 goals and 47 points.
Rory Kerins also figures to play a major role. He remains part of the organization’s young core, while veterans such as Dryden Hunt can provide important leadership and offensive production. Hunt recorded 63 points in 52 games last season, giving Calgary one of the more productive returning forwards in the lineup.
Brennan Othmann Adds Another Offensive Option
Calgary acquired Brennan Othmann from the New York Rangers in March in exchange for Jacob Battaglia. That move gives the Wranglers another young forward with NHL potential.
Othmann will be particularly interesting to watch because Calgary needs more scoring depth. Meanwhile, players such as Andrew Basha, Aydar Suniev and Sam Morton give the Wranglers additional options as the organization continues to develop its prospects.
Defense Could Determine Calgary’s Ceiling
The Wranglers have several young defensemen who could become important pieces for the Flames.
Hunter Brzustewicz remains one of the organization’s most intriguing prospects; his development will be especially important because Calgary could use his puck-moving ability and offensive instincts from the blue line.
The Wranglers will also have Andreas Englund, who brings NHL experience, having played in 200 career games.
Another name to watch is Abram Wiebe. The 22-year-old got his first taste of professional hockey last season with four games for the Flames. He’s coming off a 29-point season at the University of North Dakota; he was a +13.
Goaltending Will Be Worth Watching
Goaltending remains another major storyline heading into the season. Arsenii Sergeev is among the organization’s young goaltenders who could receive an opportunity to establish himself at the professional level. Last season, in 29 games, he went 6-13-8 with a 3.35 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage.
The other goalie to watch will be Owen Say, who in 19 games last season went 6-7-4 with a 3.36 goals-against average, an .889 save percentage, and a shutout.
Can the Wranglers Return to the Playoffs?
Calgary will face another difficult Pacific Division schedule. The Wranglers need to collect points consistently against their divisional opponents, especially because the Pacific remains one of the AHL’s most competitive divisions.
The organization has enough young talent to compete, but development remains the priority. That could create some inconsistency, particularly if Calgary loses key players to NHL call-ups.
Still, the Wranglers have a strong foundation. Hunt, Kerins, Strömgren, Morton, and other returning players give the club experience, while prospects such as Brzustewicz and Basha provide plenty of upside.
2026-27 Prediction: Calgary Wranglers finish ninth in the Pacific Division and miss the playoffs for the second straight season
Calgary has enough talent to make another postseason push. If its young players take another step and the Wranglers receive consistent goaltending, the team could become a difficult opponent once the Calder Cup Playoffs begin.