Calgary Flames vs Seattle Kraken 21 September 2026 Prediction

Calgary and Seattle have regularly finished near the bottom of the Western Conference standings in recent years. Both teams will look to improve this season. Calgary opens its preseason at home and will try to avenge two straight head-to-head losses.

Calgary Remains Near the Bottom

Despite the Flames’ efforts to return to the playoffs, they have yet to make significant progress. Calgary finished 14th in the Western Conference last season and was effectively competing for a high draft pick. The Flames selected two players in the first round: Carson Carels, who recorded 73 points in the WHL, at No. 6, and Jack Hextall, who had 58 points in the USHL, at No. 30. Calgary also added several notable players. Alexander Nylander joined from the Toronto system after posting 44 points (23 goals, 21 assists) in the AHL, while Russian forward Maxim Tsyplakov arrived from New Jersey. Tsyplakov struggled last season, so a move to Alberta could give him an opportunity to reset.

Seattle Makes Targeted Roster Changes

Seattle’s position at the end of the 2025-26 regular season was not much better than Calgary’s. The Kraken earned two more points and finished one place above the Flames in the Western Conference standings. Seattle held the seventh overall pick in the 2026 draft and selected Chase Reid, who impressed in the OHL. The defenseman recorded 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) in 45 games last season. The club also strengthened its forward group during the offseason. Mackie Samoskevich, who had 32 points last season, arrived from Florida, while Curtis Douglas joined after spending part of the 2025-26 regular season with Tampa Bay.

Seattle Has Struggled in Alberta

Home ice has been an important factor for Calgary in this matchup. The Flames have won three of the last four meetings between the teams in Alberta. Their only loss during that stretch came last season, when Seattle earned a 5-1 road win. Calgary opened the scoring, but the Kraken responded and took control of the game.

Calgary Flames vs Seattle Kraken Prediction: Calgary to Win

Main prediction: Calgary and Seattle finished next to each other in the Western Conference standings last season with similar point totals. Both teams also made useful roster additions during the offseason. However, this game will be played in Alberta, where Seattle has lost three of its last four head-to-head matchups. The main pick is Calgary to win.

Totals prediction: Both clubs added talented forwards during the offseason and should give them playing time in the preseason. Recent meetings have also produced goals, with at least six scored in two of the last three games. Given the preseason setting, an open game is likely. The totals pick is over 5.5 goals.