The Calgary Flames are poised for a potentially transformative weekend at the 2026 NHL Draft, holding seven selections across the first three rounds. With the sixth overall pick and additional picks in the second and third rounds, the organization has a rare opportunity to add significant talent to its prospect pool.
Seven Picks in First Three Rounds
Assuming no trades before Friday and Saturday, the Flames will pick seven times in the first three rounds and three more later in the draft. The sixth-overall selection on Friday could become a franchise cornerstone, crucial for the team's transition from rebuilding to contending. As demonstrated in 2024 with the late first-round pick of Matvei Gridin, even the No. 30 pick can yield a potential star.
Saturday brings three second-round picks and two third-round selections, making the weekend a defining moment for general manager Craig Conroy's rebuild strategy.
Best Player Available Approach
Flames director of amateur scouting Tod Button emphasized a flexible strategy. “When you have (seven) picks, there’s a strategy involved,” Button said. “The first pick, we’re going to go by the list, but after that we put these guys in groups by player types and we try to sort it out. There is a strategy the further down it goes.”
The team insists it will select the best player available with the No. 6 pick. Tuesday's trade with the New Jersey Devils, which brought defenseman Simon Nemec, likely makes a forward more attractive at that spot.
Risk-Taking with Depth Picks
Button noted that having multiple picks allows the Flames to take calculated risks on longer-term projects. “The other thing it does when you have so many picks is you can take a risk on maybe a longer development player or a player that a lot of guys don’t know about,” he explained. “Like when I say high risk, high reward, maybe there’s only a 15% chance he plays, but he excels in one area so you’re saying, ‘We’ve just got to see how that plays out.’”
He contrasted this with having fewer picks, which forces a more conservative approach. “Where again, you try not to be honestly conservative when you’re picking, but the less picks you have, the more conservative you are, for sure.”
Filling Prospect Holes
With the exception of goaltending, the Flames could benefit from adding depth at most positions. The organization has restocked its prospect cupboard under Conroy since 2023, but gaps remain. The recent trade saw defenseman Etienne Morin included as a sweetener, illustrating how prospects can be valuable trade assets even if they don't play for Calgary.
Button emphasized the importance of upside in their selections. “There comes a point in your prospect base where I think it’s really hard to pick a guy that doesn’t have a lot of upside,” he said. “Upside is a different word for everybody, right? High-ceiling guys, what’s that look like?”
The Flames' draft strategy remains focused on acquiring high-ceiling talent, aiming to build a foundation for sustained success.
