The Calgary Flames face a pivotal decision at the NHL Draft on Friday in Buffalo. After acquiring 22-year-old right-shot defenceman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, the Flames now boast a deep pool of blueliners, including Nemec, Zayne Parekh, Hunter Brzustewicz, Zach Whitecloud, Brayden Pachal, and Henry Mews. This raises the question: will they still consider drafting a defenceman at No. 6 overall?
Best Player Available Philosophy
Flames general manager Craig Conroy remains open to all options. “I told the scouts, put the list in order and we’ll see,” Conroy said Tuesday. “That’s been conversations over the next few days, but I do think you want to take the right player at the right time.” With top prospects heavily tilted toward defencemen in the first seven or eight picks, the “best player available” approach could lead the Flames to select a blueliner despite their organizational depth.
Forward Candidates Rise
However, several forwards are in the mix, and betting markets suggest the Flames may opt for one. Here are three key prospects:
Viggo Bjorck (C, Djurgardens, SHL)
Bjorck, a 5-foot-9 Swedish centre, has been linked to the Flames for weeks. His size is a concern, but his high-end talent is undeniable. He starred for Sweden at the IIHF World Junior Championship and possesses top-line potential. Bjorck has moved to the top of many mock drafts for Calgary.
Oliver Suvanto (C, Tappara, Liiga)
Suvanto, a Latvian centre, draws comparisons to Aleksander Barkov. Scouts praise his skating, physicality, and faceoff prowess. Playing in Finland’s top league as a 17-year-old, he may be closer to NHL readiness than other prospects. “He could be too good for the Flames to pass up,” one scout noted.
Tynan Lawrence (C, Boston University, NCAA)
Lawrence, who transferred to Boston University mid-season, is projected to go later in the top 10. However, if other forwards are taken early, he could be available at No. 6. His sky-high potential and late-season surge make him an intriguing option.
Impact of the Nemec Trade
The addition of Nemec, the No. 2 pick in 2022, solidifies the Flames’ right side for years. Yet Conroy insists the team will not shy away from drafting another defenceman if he is the highest-ranked player on their board. “You want to take the right player at the right time,” he reiterated.
