With 30 teams in offseason mode, the draft is the second hottest commodity for the NHL in June, other than the Stanley Cup Final. Everyone scrambles to share their rankings and opinions on each of the top draft prospects. Most eyes fall onto the guys ranked near the top. This year’s Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, etc.
However, there will always be quality options outside the first round. The draft isn’t nearly as clear as prior years, but good players will still always trickle into day two. Let’s take a look at a handful of prospects who may fall into the second day of the draft and be solid options for the Calgary Flames in the later rounds.
Cameron Schmidt
Highest Ranking: 17th
Lowest Ranking: 38th
This is one that I wanted to get out of the way right away. The chances of the Flames being able to draft Cameron Schmidt on day two of the draft are very low, I’d like to say. He’s a dynamic winger with an elite shot and maybe even better skating. A highly skilled player who is likely to get drafted in the back half of the first round. However, due to him being 5’7″ and 157 lbs, there are concerns that might have him drop later into the draft than people are expecting.
There aren’t many, or any, 5’7 “players in the NHL. Schmidt portrays the talents and dog of smaller guys such as Cole Caufield, Alex DeBrincat, and Logan Stankoven. However, NHL teams might fear that he ends up as Matthew Phillips, who was a sixth-round pick in 2016. I don’t believe Schmidt will fall to the Flames on day two, but if he does, they shouldn’t hesitate to bet on his upside.
L.J. Mooney
Highest Ranking: 33rd
Lowest Ranking: 105th
You’re going to notice a trend among a few of these players. Yes, L.J. Mooney is another small player. He actually is another 5’7″ prospect. Similar to Schmidt, Mooney is very talented. Mooney is fast, agile, and has sweet hands that can confuse defenders. He also has a glimpse of a two-way game and a physical presence. Size and not exactly fully dominating the USHL will likely be the factors in his slip in the draft.
There’s a pretty high chance Mooney will be available on the second day of the draft. He hasn’t been ranked in the top 32 since February. Mooney doesn’t possess the sniper skillset that other small players do, so to succeed, he may have to continue to become a high-end passer. Even then, that might be a little difficult at his size. If the offensive way doesn’t work out, he can always head in the “has that dog in him” direction and follow suit with Logan Stankoven and Conor Garland.
Mooney still possesses a high upside that the Flames could welcome to their prospect pool. He likely won’t go very high up the draft and could be a viable option around the third round.
Adam Benak
Highest Ranking: 36th
Lowest Ranking: 102nd
Yet another player listed at 5’7″—I swear this isn’t on purpose. Adam Benak is a very well-known player in this draft. He’s been ranked highly in it for years, but a lacklustre draft season has him down in the rankings. Benak has experience playing centre, which is always welcome. However, he did make a transition over to the wing for the year. He had a rollercoaster of a draft year with some high-highs and low-lows. Benak is praised for his playmaking abilities, being able to distribute the puck at a high level. Added onto that is some solid skating, good hockey-IQ, and silky hands
Benak isn’t ranked too low on average, but will still be selected on the second day of the draft. Similar to the two other players we just covered, Benak is going to have bet on developing around his size. Betting on his high work effort and overall skill could be a good bet to make. Another high-risk, high-upside pick that the Flames could look at making.
Matthew Gard
Highest Ranking: 44th
Lowest Ranking: 77th
Matthew Gard is almost the exact opposite of the players we just covered. Not a lot of production that will wow you, AND he’s big. The 6’4″, 192lbs centre from Winnipeg has risen up the draft boards thanks to effort and physicality. The main draw to Gard’s game is his smarts, high motor, and defensive play. He is a very projectable prospect and likely a coach’s dream. His skating is also pretty good, which allows him to add solid transition play to his resume.
Gard will very likely be an NHLer. He is a prospect you look at and will not be surprised to see in a competitive team’s bottom-six. His frame, projectability, and the fact that he is a centre will be the draws to drafting him on day two of the draft. The production and low ceiling could be the scare to staying away. Gard could prove to be a solid option for the Flames in the late-second to third-round.
Viktor Klingsell
Highest Ranking: 40th
Lowest Ranking: 134th
Finally escaping the trend of very small forwards, Viktor Klingsell still isn’t too big but definitely has some size. The 5’10, 188lbs winger has shown some great glimpses of potential but also some glimpses of going in the other direction. Klingsell possesses the traits of an offensive weapon. He is a brilliant passer with top-notch distribution senses. Klingsell was the reason for a handful of highlight reel plays this season. His offensive skills are all projectable, good skating, smooth hands, high IQ, etc.
The issue with Klingsell and why he ranges from the 2nd to 5th round is due to the lack of compete and off-puck presence. While other smaller players may be able to bet on a high work ethic, Klingsell may be one of those prospects who make it in an important role or not at all. The skill he has is undeniable and could be a very good option to bet on, but the risk of not being size-dependent may be shady.
Filip Ekberg
Highest Ranking: 57th
Lowest Ranking: 84th
Filip Ekberg is a name I’m sure quite a few people remember. That’s thanks to him scoring a hat-trick in his pro debut in Sweden. Ekberg didn’t quite feed into the hype, but still sits as an interesting prospect. Now, playing in the OHL with Ottawa, Ekberg had a shaky season. The offence production wasn’t really there. However, he did end the season super strong, especially with the U-18s. Ekberg is a potential offensive weapon. He has decent skating, projectable IQ, and good shooting and playmaking skills. More consistency in his production could’ve seen him ranked higher.
Ekberg’s concerns are surrounded by that said consistency and also pace. They create question marks if he will be able to translate into a higher level of play. Ekberg definitely has great potential, but the concerns may see him never make it, and that’s why he’ll be an option for the Flames on day two.
Jimmy Lombardi
Highest Ranking: 59th
Lowest Ranking: 120th
The Flint Firebirds centre, Jimmy Lombardi, can be a treat to watch. Lombardi has a creative mind that shines through with his playmaking and puck control. He can shift around defenders, find his open teammates, or confuse the goaltender. Lombardi definitely has the traits to be an offensive weapon. Even at the other end of the ice, he has some potential to be good defensively.
Lombardi’s struggle is similar to Ekberg’s. He’s not very fast, consistent production isn’t there, and he lacks physical play. His pace could be what holds him back from being able to perform at the highest level. However, Lombardi’s potential to be an offensive threat with defensive potential will be very tempting.
Reese Hamilton
Highest Ranking: 62nd
Lowest Ranking: 155th
Finally, a defenceman in Reese Hamilton. Calgary fans may be familiar with Reese Hamilton, as he was involved in a blockbuster trade with the Hitmen early into the season. Hamilton’s D-1 season had him penciled in as one of the top defenders of this class. However, his draft year was very lacklustre, struggling to hold his own and produce on both the Hitmen and Regina Pats. Hamilton still displays the traits that had him as a first-rounder under a year ago. One of the better skaters in the draft still, Hamilton is able to move around the ice smoothly and quickly. The other areas of his game, such as his passing and puck control, also still hold up.
The concerns with Hamilton stem from his inconsistencies, defensive play, and rushed plays. Hamilton can seem lost in the defensive end, leaving a man open or getting heavily outbattled. He also tends to feel the pressure applied to him and tries to remove it by generating something that just isn’t there. Hamilton’s stock is not pretty right now, and the concerns are definitely valid, but if Hamilton can learn to play the game he did in 2023–24, he could be a steal of the draft.
Bruno Osmanis
Highest Ranking: 55th
Lowest Ranking: 227th
One of the most fun names in the draft, Bruno Osmanis, also shows a lot of disparity in his rankings. The Latvian winger impressed not only at the Swedish junior level but also at the pro level and at the World Juniors. Osmanis’ best quality is his passing ability. On a weaker pro team, Osmanis was still able to generate offence of his own through his passes. He can easily spot passing lanes, open teammates, slow down the game, and create chances just through his playmaking. Osmanis always shows a good ability to skate, handle the puck, and smarts to the game. He’s also a bit of a dog.
Osmanis’ physicality and size are definitely a concern amongst scouts, as is the lower quality of the team he played for. He’s a little bit of a project and may take some more time to develop, but his overall rounded game makes him a very good bet on day two for floor and ceiling.
Lasse Boelius
Highest Ranking: 48th
Lowest Ranking: 147th
Coming out of Finland, Lasse Boelius could for sure serve as a solid option in the mid-to-late rounds. Boelius is on the smaller side of defencemen, but like most small defencemen, he can skate. Boelius has fluid motion on the ice, being able to use it effectively offensively and defensively. Quickly jumping into play or positioning himself properly with edgework, Boelius’ game has an extra step thanks to his skating. Boelius also has a pretty solid shot that could definitely be utilized more for goal-scoring.
Boelius’ issues stem from his size and so-so playmaking abilities. He can be pretty easily battled off the puck, which can lead to a chance for the other team. Under pressure, he can rush plays or not necessarily have the skill to remove the pressure. However, his offence definitely has potential, and his skating could round out his game.
Shamar Moses
Highest Ranking: 63rd
Lowest Ranking: 125th
Shamar Moses is a very intriguing prospect for the middle rounds. Moses has talent that is incredibly raw and could possibly amount to a steal. Despite a lower production sheet, Moses has had flashes of great talent. He knows how to draw in a defender and then use that to his advantage. Whether it be a nicely placed shot, a drive around the defender, or a smoothly saucer-pass, Moses can impress. It also helps that he brings a sense of physicality that makes him a projectable player. Battles around the net or in the corner, strong stance with the puck, or some pretty hits.
What makes Moses a mid-round pick is his slow skating, raw talent, and lack of production. If at least two of three develop into solid capabilities, Moses might outgrow his draft position. Moses is a bet that is worth making, but also one that you don’t necessarily beat yourself up on if it doesn’t work.
Owen Griffin
Highest Ranking: 78th
Lowest Ranking: 88th
With the last name of a legendary creature, Owen Griffin rose amongst draft boards thanks to his phenomenal playoff run. Griffin is pretty much a perfectly rounded centre. None of his skills is necessarily a weakness. He can shoot or distribute the puck, engage physically, and, with some in-season development, improve his skating. Griffin’s late-season production was definitely a good sign. Not to mention, Griffin’s defence also may be more projectable than his offence.
The holdups on Griffin are that he doesn’t have a high-end trait to beat out his no weaknesses, and that he didn’t have a full season of great production. He really is just an okay prospect. With some development in any area of his game, Griffin’s ceiling can significantly rise. He will very likely be an NHLer, but raising his role will be up to him.
Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen
Highest Ranking: 64th
Lowest Ranking: 111th
Developing in the USNTDP system, Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen made the jump to the NCAA a year earlier than most. Playing with the University of Michigan, a big thanks can likely be found for his skating. Rheaume-Mullen’s skating ability is the centerpiece of his game and makes him the solid defenceman that he is. He can move around the ice in a smooth fashion with quick acceleration and speed paired with fluid edgework. In transition, in the offensive or defensive zone, Rheaume-Mullen’s skating is a treat to watch. The rest of his game is pretty rounded too, just not necessarily at a superb level.
Rheaume-Mullen’s skating definitely makes him a worthwhile option. However, it would be nice to see him develop some of his skills even further. I think puck-moving qualities could go a long way for him.
Bryce Pickford
Highest Ranking: 68th
Lowest Ranking: Undrafted
The first over-ager on this list, Bryce Pickford, turned heads when he lit up the WHL playoffs. The Edmonton product saw heavy improvements from 2023–24 to 2024–25. It helps going to the best team in your league, too. However, Pickford’s development may be enough to see him go from undrafted to mid-round pick. Pickford is a very rounded defenceman. His skating is solid, he can pass the puck, and he can defend his zone. Nonetheless, the draw with Pickford is the development of his shot. Pickford’s shot is hard and accurate, and it certainly finds the back of the net.
Obviously, his being an over-ager will play a factor in his being drafted late or not at all again. The upward rise is definitely something to look positively on and could make it worthwhile to use a mid-round pick on him.
Lev Katzin
Highest Ranking: 63rd
Lowest Ranking: 193rd
Back to our undersized forwards, Lev Katzin joined the OHL from the USHL thanks to an NCAA agreement. This proved to be the right decision as he would score over a point per game. Katzin’s game is driven by his playmaking abilities and relentless work ethic. It helped that the Guelph Storm relied on him to be their primary play-driver. Katzin used his motor to be a consistent option in the offensive zone and apply pressure to his opponents. He was a very reliable puck-mover through some nicely placed passes and quick hands.
Katzin’s overall skill isn’t regarded as high as that of other smaller guys. Regardless, the potential he displays with his motor, passing, and hands is definitely not to be ignored. Just like any small player, Katzin portrays boom or bust potential that could be worth risking on, especially with him committed to Penn. State.
Aidan Park
Highest Ranking: 114th
Lowest Ranking: Undrafted
Aidan Park is a name people in Calgary may begin to recognize as he joined the Hitmen in the playoffs. However, he may also commit to the University of Michigan. Park is another over-ager on this list. He was actually projected to be drafted last season. Park’s game took another step forward this year in the USHL. His overall offensive skillset developed into something more projectable while keeping his smart and calm defensive habits. His relentless motor is the key driver to his game.
Drafting an overager will always be scary, and that may be why Park gets shafted again. He plays a pretty projectable game that could very easily make the NHL. Some more offensive steps could do him wonders, but regardless, he’ll bring value in the later rounds.
Jordan Gavin
Highest Ranking: 119th
Lowest Ranking: Undrafted
Jordan Gavin is another name I’m sure some people recognize. He was a highly touted prospect for the 2025 draft for years. However, with no crazy progression from his rookie season, Gavin started to fall. Gavin still displays the high-end skill that he was promised to have. He has an above-average shot that’s quick and accurate, highly respectable playmaking abilities, and a strong sense for the game of hockey. When he’s hot, he’s hot, and you feel like you’re watching a top prospect.
The gripes with Gavin may have him have to stop focusing on the scoring to fulfill his hockey dream. He was pushed from centre to winger due to his lower pace and inability to drive the centre of the ice. He was more suited to the perimeter on the wing. He’s a riskier pick, but if the Flames think they can reform his game, he wouldn’t be a bad option in the later rounds.
Cole Temple
Highest Ranking: 166th
Lowest Ranking: Undrafted
Cole Temple was looked at with decently high regard for this draft, thanks to him being a top-five selection in the WHL draft. Temple never fully blossomed into the player the Regina Pats were hoping for, and he was sent to the Everett Silvertips. Temple improved in Everett, but not enough to fully raise his stock. His game is driven by the speed he brings from his feet and his relentless motor that can hide his size. He definitely has some untapped offensive potential, but he’s too quick for his plays to fully marinate.
Temple very likely isn’t going high in this draft and will be on the board in late-late rounds. While not an ideal prospect, he can for sure bring some value to a late-round pick and maybe develop into some depth.
