The season is winding down, and a busy trade deadline has made the Flames’ future roster look younger and more uncertain. Sights soon will shift towards free agency and then the draft.
Craig Conroy will look to continue his impressive performance at the draft as the Flames have built one of the strongest prospect pools in the league.
This week, we wanted to know who fans think is the Flames’ top prospect? We asked, you answered.
Want to take part in Sunday Census polls? We send them out every week on our Twitter at @wincolumnCGY. Follow along or send in ideas for the next poll!
Which player acquired at the deadline are you most excited about?
We presented this poll to our readers.
Matvei Gridin
Matvei Gridin has burst onto the scene during the back half of the season and turned heads across the league. Despite his recent popularity in Calgary, Gridin finished second in this week’s poll with 39% of the vote.
Gridin played 37 games in the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 30 points. Since joining the Flames, the former 2024 28th overall pick has scored six goals and 19 points in 35 games. Gridin has developed quicker than anyone imagined he would and now has some discussing his value next to Zayne Parekh.
Gridin has shown an incredible offensive touch, something the Flames have desperately needed. His playmaking ability and hockey IQ are already growing as his development doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Next season seems more and more likely to be a breakout one for Gridin.
Zayne Parekh
Since Dustin Wolf climbed the ranks in the Flames’ prospect pool, no prospect has been discussed more than Zayne Parekh. Winning this week’s poll with 52% of the vote, Parekh’s majority victory isn’t as impressive as it would’ve been a year ago.
Despite his record-setting performance at the World Juniors, the first half of Parekh’s season at the NHL level was a struggle, riddled with injury. In his 34 games in his rookie season, Parekh has scored three goals and seven points. Disappointing to many, but his growth has been noticeable.
There is still a way to go for Parekh at the NHL level, but his role will undoubtedly continue to grow next season. This offseason will be a great opportunity to gain some strength and come back next season ready to play at a more physical level.
Cole Reschny
Cole Reschny collected 7% of the votes in this week’s poll, finishing third. The 2025 18th overall pick has played 35 games for the University of North Dakota in the NCAA, recording six goals and 35 points.
Reschny has had a great year at North Dakota alongside new Flame Abram Weibe. Despite falling short in this year’s Frozen Four to Wisconsin, Reschny finished his freshman season third on the team in points.
Reschny will return to North Dakota next season and look to continue his development. The Saskatchewan-born talent is looking to be an impactful centre for the Flames in the future.
Other
Only 2% of respondents voted other, with Quinnipiac breakout star Ethan Wyttenbach getting a mention in the comments.
The Flames will look to bolster their prospect pool with six picks in the first two rounds.
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