The Calgary Flames are slated to select at 6th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Ryan delves into the team’s wants and needs, particularly given the state of their prospect base and their rebuild, and makes his recommendations for four players that could be fits at 6th overall.
Resources and References:
-My top 10 prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQmwzDcG-_w
-My breakdown of the Flames’ goalie and defence prospects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNX3XZZpdcI&t
-My breakdown of the Flames’ forward prospects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Yi2xhucN0
-Stick-taps are owed to the work of Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman, and McKeen’s Hockey’s Derek Neumeier, who are my go-tos when it comes to prospects and the NHL Draft throughout the year.
-Prospect clips courtesy of MIDCO Sports, Victory+, SVT, Leijonat TV and the respective leagues.
-Shout-out to DanielGScouting, davehall1289, NYRLouie, Scott Wheeler, The Prospect Don and justingham (all on X) for clipping prospect highlights.
Find more from me at FlamesNation.ca (https://flamesnation.ca/)! And for all kinds of great Flames-related content, check out the Barn Burner YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@FNBarnBurner)!
Buy my book about the history of the Calgary Flames franchise at the NHL Draft! “On The Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Calgary Flames at the NHL Draft” (https://www.amazon.ca/Clock-Calgary-Flames-Behind-Scenes/dp/1637274009/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8)
I'm extremely happy if we get one of Carels or Bjork, and the best part is I think there is a very strong chance at least one of them are available at 6.
I can see Calgary throwing in a sweetner for Chicago’s fourth pick.
I can confirm đź’Ż I've spoken to Nilly and the pick at 6 is Viggo Bjork of course if hes available. Dont expect Craig to move up from 6. There was talk with Mike in San Jose but the asking price is very high as it should be. If San Jose keeps the 2 pick which they more than likely will they will select Ivar Stenberg.
If Bjork is gone at 6 expect Craig to pick either Carels or Verhoeff as Flames scouting staff are split when it comes to Carels and Verhoeff.
I honestly don’t think malhorta dropping to 6 is out of the question. If the sharks take Reid then Canucks stenberg. I am pretty sure the hawks won’t take a center and carels seems likely. Then the rangers you never know. I admit malhotra seems like a no brainer here. But I wouldn’t be suprised to see a Verhoff or smits. Some big guy. And with Bjrock stock rising I could see the hawks or rangers maybe going for him early.
Viggo none Other
Or what should cgy flames give up to get 3rd
lol Verhoeff is David Jiricek. He can't skate, doesn't play big enough, and really only has a booming shot from the point. I would be fucking bothered if the Flames drafted a mega-project like him.
I'd go Carels, Bjorck, then Smits. Verhoeff is a hard no.
I would throw in Cullen as well not far behind. Getting a push for being the single most dynamic offensive ability behind McKenna. Late risers and growth spurts are dangerous.
As a Flames fan, Carels' fit makes so much sense. However, if we want the "game-breaker" type player, we gotta pick the one with the highest ceiling and it's so hard to say. Right now, it kinda looks like Ĺ mits imho. So much can happen as kids grow.
I think Calgary literally has more picks than a minor league system will be able to handle.I'd trade 51,55,65, and 68 for as high a 1st rounder as they'll fetch. Have 5 picks in the top 36 and hope they land.