For National Hockey League fans in both Canada and the United States Of America, there is the distraction of the 2026 World Cup to be factored into the attention spells for the next month and a bit, but with the 2026 NHL Draft soon to be on the horizon, those of a Scorch Dome persuasion will be keeping their eyes firmly on the business of the Calgary Flames.
As the Flames head into the Draft, they have the No 6 pick at their call, as well as one in the late 20’s, potentially late 30’s post season Vegas result dependent, and two early second round draft picks with a further two late on in the round. Even for those who enjoy anonymous crypto sports betting, nobody is quite sure just what Flames will do here.
It seems right now that Craig Conway is nigh on locked in to a pick 6, as a trade up feels unlikely at this stage, but of course, that does not stop him from wheeling and dealing options in a variety of other first round ways.
Given the current roster and some potential plays available from trading up from the Vegas pick, the desire for elite level talent to push on further lends itself to looking at five specific players. Presented in no particular order and no prediction on ease of viability.
Although the Flames have good options at wing positions both on the NHL roster and in the system, whilst it is not a thrilling move to consider adding another one, Nikita Klepov has the potential to be a top sixer for a number of years to come. 6 foot, 180 pounds ticks one box, as does his junior career showing he has the playmaking and production behind just his frame.
Whilst improvement is needed and he is often described as ‘scrappy’, the raw motor and talent is there – 37 goals and 97 points for the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League.
Another winger for the future would be 6 foot, 185 pound JP Hurlbert. He dominated in his maiden WHL season, posting 42 goals and 97 points in only 68 games. Again improvement would be needed, but that is always the way. Depending on whether or not the Flames land Viggo Bjorck at 6 overall, long term Djurgardens team mate Marcus Nordmark becomes an interesting prospect. 6 foot 2, 180 pounds and still growing, but 24 assists in 25 games in 2025/26’s junior level shows potential.
Oliver Suvanto may not have the production associated with the draft, but he only had 48 games of high level significant action in the last year. 6 foot 3 at just 17 years of age and involvement at the World Juniors already means he has eyes on him.
A final punt could be Tynan Lawrence. Once seen as possibly the best centre in the entire NHL Draft class, his production has not kept pace and a change of leagues has further held him back as he struggled to adjust. All the raw talent and potential in the world, but his response to that disappointment could be make or break. An absolute steal if 2026/27 is his bounce back year, not so much if he does not.
Whether or not any of those five are targeted is yet to be seen, but the Draft is likely to be as entertaining as ever.
