The WHL season only has a handful of games left. Throughout the year, we have been doing check-ins on the Calgary Flames prospects that reside in the WHL. The total is five, which includes Andrew Basha, Jaden Lipinski, Eric Jamieson, Hunter Laing, and Axel Hurtig.
Andrew Basha
Andrew Basha’s season started off a bit slow, with an injury in between. Through it all, he had picked up 29 points in 23 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers. A worse pace than his draft year, but he was only getting hotter and hotter. On December 28, 2024, Basha was injured in a game against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. It has unfortunately kept him out for the rest of the season since, missing a massive 43 games to start his career.
Jaden Lipinski
Starting the year with the Calgary Wranglers, Jaden Lipinski joined back with the Vancouver Giants shortly after the WHL season began. The last time we checked in on Lipinski, he had 47 points in 48 games. A singular point off of point per game. Now, nine games later, Lipinski sits with 56 in 57, perfectly a point per game in those nine games.
Lipinski can be streaky, with great stretches that get matched with ones that are just as bad. Lipinski has been unable to be a point per game in his WHL career so far. With two games to go, hopefully, we see him eclipse it.
Eric Jamieson
The University of Denver commit and current Everett Silvertips captain, Eric Jamieson, has had a surprisingly solid season. Mixing his shutdown style alongside leadership qualities and an underrated offensive game. He is a crucial piece to the best team inside the WHL. His improved offence sees him with 14 goals and 35 points in 65 games.
One of my favourite under-the-radar prospects when it comes to the Flames’ pool. Won’t be anything too crazy, but can definitely see him as a very serviceable bottom pair defenceman.
Hunter Laing
The only Flames prospect to be a part of a WHL trade this season, Hunter Laing has found comfort in his new home of Saskatoon. He only had 10 goals and 22 points in 36 games with the Prince George Cougars before being traded to the Saskatoon Blades.
In February, his season totals were 18 goals and 34 points in 54 games. Since then, they have improved to 24 goals and 45 points in 61 games. Laing’s 14 goals in his 25 games as a Blade are alone the highest he’s ever scored in a WHL season.
Axel Hurtig
After a change from overseas to the backyard, Axel Hurtig has been steady for the Calgary Hitmen. His 15 points in 52 games isn’t flashy at all, and he has only picked up two points since our last check-in, but that’s not how Hurtig shines. His defensive game continues to develop as he effectively uses his size and body on his opponents. A solid piece on a top-three team in the WHL with the Hitmen.
Not much change
Since the last check-in about a month ago, not much has changed with the Calgary Flames prospects in the WHL. Andrew Basha still remains injured, and Jaden Lipinski’s greatest enemy is still reaching point per game. Eric Jamieson continues to guide the Silvertips to the top of the league with his leadership, and Axel Hurtig still adds as a defensive piece for the Hitmen. Hunter Laing deserves credit for his run of six goals and 11 points in eight games.
All of these prospects are gearing up for playoff runs, with three of them all being on separate top three teams in the league.
