History of Calgary Flames in Timeline

The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, competing in the NHL's Pacific Division of the Western Conference. They are the third major hockey team to represent Calgary, following the Tigers and Cowboys. As one of two NHL teams in Alberta, they share a heated rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers, known as the "Battle of Alberta."

1921: Calgary Tigers

In 1921, the Calgary Tigers became one of the major professional ice hockey teams to represent the city of Calgary.

1923: Stanley Cup Competition

In 1923, the Calgary Tigers competed for the Stanley Cup.

1927: Calgary Tigers

In 1927, the Calgary Tigers ceased to exist.

December 1971: NHL grants team to Long Island

In December 1971, the NHL hastily granted a team to Long Island – the New York Islanders – in an attempt to keep the WHA's New York Raiders out of the recently completed Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

1972: Fletcher Leaves Flames

In 1972, Cliff Fletcher was the team's general manager since its inception.

1972: Team Foundation

In 1972, the Atlanta Flames were founded in Atlanta before relocating to Calgary in 1980.

1975: Playoffs

In 1975, The Flames missed the playoffs for the first time.

1976: Calgary Cowboys

In 1976, the Calgary Cowboys could manage to sell only 2,000 season tickets in their final campaign.

1977: Calgary Cowboys

In 1977, the Calgary Cowboys ceased to exist.

May 21, 1980: Sale and relocation announcement

On May 21, 1980, Nelson Skalbania announced that the team would move to Calgary and retain the Flames name.

1980: Relocation to Calgary

In 1980, the Atlanta Flames relocated to Calgary.

1981: Rebuilding the Roster

After a losing record in 1981, Fletcher jettisoned several holdovers from the Atlanta days and rebuilt the roster.

1981: Skalbania sold interest

In 1981, Skalbania sold his interest in the Calgary Flames, and the team has been locally owned since.

1983: Oilers or Flames

From 1983 until 1990, either the Oilers or the Flames represented the Campbell Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.

1983: Move to the Scotiabank Saddledome

In 1983, the Calgary Flames moved into the Scotiabank Saddledome (originally the Olympic Saddledome) after playing their first three seasons in Calgary at the Stampede Corral.

1983: Draft Sergei Makarov

In 1983, the Calgary Flames were among the first to draft players from the Soviet Union, including CSKA Moscow star Sergei Makarov.

1984: Mid 1980s - Early 1990s

From 1984 to 1985, the players acquired by Fletcher matured into one of the strongest teams in the NHL.

1984: Stanley Cup Championship

In 1984, the Edmonton Oilers required the maximum seven games to defeat the Flames en route to their Stanley Cup Championship.

1985: Stanley Cup Competition

In 1985, the Flames became the first Calgary team since the 1923-24 Tigers to compete for the Stanley Cup.

1985: NHL All-Star Game

In 1985, the Olympic Saddledome hosted the NHL All-Star Game, a 6–4 victory by the Wales Conference.

1986: Difficult Season

In 1986, George Pelawa was killed in a car accident prior to the season's start.

1986: Stanley Cup Finals

In 1986, the Calgary Flames played the Stanley Cup Finals.

1986: Flames Defeat Oilers

In 1986, the Calgary Flames upset the Edmonton Oilers in seven games, marking the only time the Flames defeated the Oilers in a playoff series in the decade. The series-winning goal came when an errant clearing attempt by Steve Smith ricocheted off goaltender Grant Fuhr's leg and into his own net.

1987: Presidents' Trophy

In 1987, the Flames recorded their first 100-point season and earned the Presidents' Trophy for having the NHL's best record.

March 7, 1988: Brett Hull Traded

On March 7, 1988, the Calgary Flames traded Brett Hull (along with Steve Bozek) to the Blues in exchange for Rob Ramage and Rick Wamsley.

1988: Presidents' Trophy

In 1988, the Calgary Flames captured their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy with a franchise record 117 points.

1988: Stanley Cup Title

In 1988, the Calgary Flames won their first and only Stanley Cup title.

1988: 1988 Winter Olympics

In 1988, the Olympic Saddledome was built as a venue for the Winter Olympics.

May 25, 1989: Stanley Cup Victory

On May 25, 1989, the Calgary Flames won the Stanley Cup against Montreal in six games with a 4-2 victory in Montreal. Al MacInnis captured the Conn Smythe as playoffs' most valuable player, while long-time captain Lanny McDonald announced his retirement.

1989: Best total since 1989 Cup Winning Season

During the 2005-06 season, The Calgary Flames finished with 103 points. It was their best total since the 1989 Cup winning season.

1989: Soviet players released to Western teams

In 1989, Soviet players were released to Western teams.

1989: Arrival of Soviet Hockey Players

In 1989, the Soviets gave permission for a select group of Soviet hockey players to sign with NHL teams. The first of these players was Sergei Pryakhin. Also in 1989, Sergei Makarov joined the Flames and became the fifth Flame to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year.

1989: Reference to 1989 Cup Finals

In 2004, the Calgary Flames defeated the Vancouver Canucks in seven games, which was their first playoff series win since they won the 1989 Cup Finals.

1990: Mid 1980s - Early 1990s

From the mid 1980s to 1990, the players acquired by Fletcher matured into one of the strongest teams in the NHL.

1991: Mid 1980s - Early 1990s

From the mid 1980s to 1991, the players acquired by Fletcher matured into one of the strongest teams in the NHL.

1991: Fletcher Leaves Flames

In 1991, Cliff Fletcher left the Calgary Flames to become the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

1992: Playoffs

In 1992, the Calgary Flames missed the playoffs entirely, only a year after finishing with their third 100-point season in franchise history.

1994: Flames take over management of the Saddledome

In 1994, the Calgary Flames reached an agreement to renovate the Olympic Saddledome, rename it the Canadian Airlines Saddledome, and assume management of the facility after buying out the Saddledome Foundation for CA$20 million.

1994: Division Title and Playoff Loss

In 1994, the Calgary Flames won a Division title, which led to a Game 7 overtime home defeat in the opening round to the Canucks.

1994: Reference to Canucks' Stanley Cup Finals appearance

In 2004, The Calgary Flames became the first Canadian team to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals since the Canucks in 1994.

1995: Division Title and Playoff Loss

In 1995, the Calgary Flames won a Division title, which led to a Game 7 overtime home defeat in the opening round to the San Jose Sharks.

1995: Calgary Hitmen begin play

In 1995, the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League, partly owned by Theoren Fleury, began play after the Calgary Flames agreed to a lease deal to fill dates in the Saddledome.

1996: Iginla Debut

In 1996, Jarome Iginla made his Calgary Flames debut in the playoffs, during which the team lost in the first round.

1997: Flames buy Calgary Hitmen

In 1997, the Calgary Flames bought the Calgary Hitmen for $1.5 million.

1997: Missed Playoffs

In 1997, the Calgary Flames missed the playoffs and did not return for seven years.

1999: Attendance decline and ultimatum

By 1999, the Calgary Flames' attendance had declined so severely that the owners issued an ultimatum: buy more season tickets or the team would relocate to the United States.

1999: Trade of Fleury to Colorado Avalanche

In 1999, the Calgary Flames traded Fleury to the Colorado Avalanche midway through the season after he became the franchise's all-time leading scorer. The Flames traded him because he was due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and they didn't want to lose him without getting anything in return.

1999: Regehr's recovery from car accident

In the summer of 1999, Robyn Regehr recovered from two broken legs suffered in a car accident to play 57 games at age 19.

2000: Season ticket campaign

In the summer of 2000, the Calgary Flames launched a campaign aimed at increasing season ticket sales from a franchise low of 8,700 to 14,000, which proved successful.

2001: Financial losses

Between 2001 and 2003, the Calgary Flames estimated they lost $14.5 million, despite increased season ticket sales.

2001: Iginla's Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Art Ross Trophies

In 2001-02, Jarome Iginla captured the Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Art Ross Trophies as NHL goal- and point-scoring champion, scoring 52 goals and 96 points.

2002: Darryl Sutter hired as Head Coach

During the 2002–03 season, Darryl Sutter was hired as the Calgary Flames' head coach, replacing Greg Gilbert.

2003: Financial losses

Between 2001 and 2003, the Calgary Flames estimated they lost $14.5 million, despite increased season ticket sales.

2003: Sutter becomes General Manager, acquires Kiprusoff

Following the 2002-03 season, Darryl Sutter became the Calgary Flames' general manager and acquired goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff early in the 2003–04 season.

2003: Iginla wins Rocket Richard Trophy

In 2003-04, Jarome Iginla again won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, tied with Rick Nash and Ilya Kovalchuk, with 41 goals.

2004: Flames advance to Stanley Cup Finals

In 2004, after defeating the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks, the Calgary Flames advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals to face the Tampa Bay Lightning. Martin Gelinas scored the winning goal in all three series, and the Flames were dubbed 'Canada's team'.

2004: Playoff Series Win

In 2004, the Calgary Flames did not win another playoff series.

2004: Flames return to the playoffs

In 2004, the Calgary Flames returned to the postseason, defeating the Vancouver Canucks in seven games, which was their first playoff series win since 1989.

2004: Stanley Cup Finals

In 2004, the Flames' unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Finals gave rise to the Red Mile.

2004: NHL Lockout

The Calgary Flames did not raise their Western Conference championship banner for nearly 15 months, as the 2004–05 season was wiped out by a labor dispute.

2005: 25th season in Calgary

During the 2005–06 season, the Calgary Flames played their 25th season in Calgary, finishing with 103 points and capturing their first division title in 12 years. Miikka Kiprusoff won the William M. Jennings and Vezina Trophies.

April 2006: Flames Announce Hybrid Restaurant, Bar and Entertainment Facility

In April 2006, The Calgary Flames announced that they would be opening a hybrid restaurant, bar and entertainment facility in downtown Calgary on Stephen Avenue

2006: Off-season trade for Tanguay, Sutter steps down as coach

In 2006, the Calgary Flames traded for Alex Tanguay and Darryl Sutter relinquished his head coaching position to Jim Playfair.

April 2007: Flames Central Opened to the Public

In April 2007, Flames Central opened to the public.

2007: Mike Keenan becomes head coach

Prior to the start of the 2007-08 season, the Calgary Flames brought in Mike Keenan as the team's head coach.

March 10, 2008: Iginla becomes Flames' all-time goalscoring leader

On March 10, 2008, Jarome Iginla passed Theoren Fleury's mark of 364 goals to become the Calgary Flames' all-time goalscoring leader.

June 23, 2009: Brent Sutter named head coach

On June 23, 2009, Brent Sutter was named head coach of the Calgary Flames.

2009: Playoff Berth Clinched

In the 2014-15 season, The Calgary Flames clinched their first playoff berth since 2009.

2010: Sutter steps aside as General Manager

During the 2010–11 NHL season, Darryl Sutter stepped aside as Calgary Flames' general manager, and Jay Feaster was named the interim general manager in his place.

2010: Townsend Tigers defeat the Flames in Wheelchair Hockey Challenge

In 2010, the Townsend Tigers defeated the Calgary Flames in the Wheelchair Hockey Challenge, to move to a perfect 27-0 record.

February 22, 2011: Flames host Heritage Classic

On February 22, 2011, the Calgary Flames hosted the 2011 Heritage Classic at McMahon Stadium, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4–0. Miikka Kiprusoff recorded a shutout.

June 28, 2011: Doug Gilmour and Joe Nieuwendyk enter Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 28, 2011, former Flames forwards Doug Gilmour and Joe Nieuwendyk were announced as the sixth and seventh members to enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in the players category.

2011: Heritage Classic Win

In 2011, the Calgary Flames hosted and won the second Heritage Classic outdoor game.

2011: Johnny Gaudreau Draft Pick

In the 2011 NHL draft, Johnny Gaudreau was drafted in the fourth round.

January 7, 2012: Iginla scores 500th career goal

On January 7, 2012, Jarome Iginla scored his 500th career goal against the Minnesota Wild.

2012: Departure of leading scorers

In the summer of 2013, Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak, the 2012–13 co-leading scorers, left in free agency.

March 27, 2013: Iginla Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

On March 27, 2013, Jarome Iginla was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This left the Calgary Flames without a captain for the first time.

2013: Flames co-owner

As of 2013, Sonia Scurfield is the only Canadian woman to have her name engraved on the Cup.

2013: Giordano named Captain, Gaudreau Debut

Prior to the beginning of the 2013–14 season, Mark Giordano was named as the new captain of the Calgary Flames. In the season's final game, Johnny Gaudreau made his NHL debut, scoring his first goal.

2014: Playoff berth clinched

In the 2014–15 season, the Calgary Flames clinched their first playoff berth since 2009.

June 29, 2015: Bill Hay Elected to Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 29, 2015, former player Bill Hay was elected to the Hockey of Fame in the builders category.

June 29, 2015: Phil Housley Enshrined in Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 29, 2015, it was announced that defenceman Phil Housley would be enshrined in the Class of 2015, making him the eighth player in Flames history to gain that honour.

2015: Hartley Wins Jack Adams Trophy

In the 2014-15 season, Calgary Flames' head coach Bob Hartley was named the winner of the Jack Adams Trophy for coach of the year. Jiri Hudler also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

May 2016: Hartley relieved of duties

In May 2016, Calgary Flames' head coach Bob Hartley was relieved of his duties and was replaced by Glen Gulutzan.

June 27, 2016: Sergei Makarov Enters Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 27, 2016, Sergei Makarov was informed that he would be entering the Hockey Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2016, becoming the ninth Flames player to receive the honour.

August 19, 2016: Monahan signs seven-year contract

On August 19, 2016, Sean Monahan agreed to a seven-year contract with the Calgary Flames worth $44.625 million.

2017: Jaromir Jagr joins the Flames

The 2017-18 season was highlighted by the Calgary Flames debut of Jaromir Jagr in October, but he only lasted 22 games in Calgary, scoring 7 points.

June 26, 2018: Martin St. Louis Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 26, 2018, Martin St. Louis became the tenth player to be inducted into the hall.

December 2018: The Dudes and the Calgary Flames release "My C is Alright"

In December 2018, Calgary rock band The Dudes and the Calgary Flames organization teamed up to release a cover of their hockey-themed song "Saturday Night" called "My C is Alright," paying homage to the C of Red.

March 2, 2019: Jarome Iginla's No. 12 jersey retired

On March 2, 2019, the Calgary Flames retired Jarome Iginla's No. 12 jersey.

March 31, 2019: Flames clinch top seed in conference

On March 31, 2019, the Calgary Flames clinched the top seed in the conference for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, winning the division title for the first time since 2006.

July 19, 2019: James Neal traded to the Oilers for Milan Lucic

On July 19, 2019, the Calgary Flames traded James Neal to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Milan Lucic and a third-round pick in the 2020 NHL entry draft.

March 11, 2020: Regular season ends due to pandemic

After March 11, 2020, the Calgary Flames' regular season ended after only 70 games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

June 24, 2020: Jarome Iginla Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 24, 2020, Jarome Iginla became the eleventh player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

March 4, 2021: Darryl Sutter re-hired as head coach; Ward fired

On March 4, 2021, the Calgary Flames fired Geoff Ward and re-hired Darryl Sutter as head coach.

July 23, 2022: Tkachuk Traded to Panthers for Huberdeau, Weegar, and more

On July 23, 2022, the Calgary Flames traded Matthew Tkachuk and a conditional 2025 fourth-round draft pick to the Florida Panthers for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a conditional 2025 first-round selection.

August 4, 2022: Huberdeau agrees to contract extension

On August 4, 2022, Jonathan Huberdeau agreed to an eight-year, $84 million contract extension with the Calgary Flames.

August 18, 2022: Monahan traded to Canadiens; Kadri signs with Flames

On August 18, 2022, the Calgary Flames traded Sean Monahan and a conditional first-round pick in 2025 to the Montreal Canadiens for future considerations, freeing cap space to sign Nazem Kadri, who signed a 7-year contract with the Flames the same day.

April 17, 2023: Brad Treliving vacates GM position

On April 17, 2023, Brad Treliving elected to vacate his position as general manager of the Calgary Flames.

May 23, 2023: Craig Conroy named general manager

On May 23, 2023, Craig Conroy was named the general manager of the Calgary Flames.

June 21, 2023: Mike Vernon Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

On June 21, 2023, Mike Vernon became the twelfth player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

September 27, 2023: Mikael Backlund named captain

On September 27, 2023, Mikael Backlund was named captain of the Calgary Flames and signed a two-year contract.

January 31, 2024: Elias Lindholm traded to Canucks

On January 31, 2024, Elias Lindholm was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for Andrei Kuzmenko, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, a first-round and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft.