The Calgary Flames have significantly built up their prospect pool since GM Craig Conroy took over. The most important position for the Flames right now is down the middle. The team has significantly added some promising centre prospects but is still in need of an elite number-one centre. Let’s take a look at the Flames’ current organizational depth chart at the centre position.
Mikeal Backlund
The Flames captain will be entering his 18th season with the team. The 37-year-old didn’t have a bad season, scoring 17 goals and 43 points, but clearly shouldn’t be relied upon to provide big minutes in a top-six role. However, Backlund is currently slotted as the Flames’ second-line centre. Clearly, he’s been getting a bigger role than he should due to the team being thin down the middle.
With Backlund likely not having many more years left in the tank, he’ll continue to provide a key mentorship role to young players by being a voice in the locker room and a solid veteran presence.
Morgan Frost
Morgan Frost could very well find himself on the trade block, as he’s a pending UFA. Of course, the Flames could always extend him, but it depends on how much money Frost’s camp is commanding. Given the rising cap and the nature of contracts being handed to players around the league, there’s a decent chance the Frost will be looking to cash in, and in that case, it doesn’t make much sense for Conroy to pursue that.
Frost is likely a third-line centre on a contending team and could be a great addition down the middle for any team looking for centres. He could net back a decent return for the Flames if he becomes available, depending on his play, of course.
Connor Zary
A player who has already found himself on the trade block is Connor Zary. The 24-year-old is reportedly available for trade, with the Flames asking for a second-round pick in return. Despite that, there has been little to no interest in Zary, but it’s looking more likely that his time in Calgary may be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
Zary’s career so far has been defined by injuries and a lack of true utilization. He and Flames head coach Ryan Huska clearly aren’t on the same page, as despite being drafted as a centre, Zary has actually never truly gotten the opportunity to play down the middle. This is a player who clearly needs a fresh start elsewhere and will likely get it.
Ryan Strome
Acquired by the Flames at the 2026 trade deadline, Ryan Strome has rejuvenated his game in a way with the Flames. He scored 12 points in 19 games upon arriving in Calgary, as he acted as a replacement of some sort following the team trading away Nazem Kadri.
Strome is very likely to be trade bait for the Flames next season. He makes $5 million a season, but that could easily be retained in a deadline deal. While Strome provides a good veteran presence, it makes sense for the Flames to flip him for an asset.
Rory Kerins
A player who was once highly coveted by fans, Rory Kerins, has since fallen under the radar. He played four games this season with the team, scoring zero points, but the season before, he notched four assists in five games. Kerins clearly has skill, but the chance for him to make the Flames’ lineup full-time is unknown. Kerins was a point-per-game player at the AHL level, but could that be his ceiling?
Ben Jones
A depth pickup by the Flames, and a player the team is familiar with, Ben Jones, will likely be in the AHL full-time. He may get some NHL games here and there if an injury occurs. Jones played 28 games with the Minnesota Wild this season, scoring three points.
Tyson Gross
Tyson Gross will be in the mix to be the Flames’ fourth-line centre. He was signed by the team out of college and played six games with the Flames, scoring a goal. He’s still only 23, so there still could be some untapped potential with him.
Jonathan Castagna
Acquired by the Flames in the MacKenzie Weegar trade, Jonathan Castagna is an intriguing centre prospect. He was a point-per-game player for Cornell University this season, and will likely get his shot at pro hockey with the Wranglers this upcoming season. He could be a player who gets in some NHL games if he catches the Flames’ attention, as they clearly value him as a prospect to watch.
Theo Stockselius
2025 second-round pick Theo Stockselius is a intriging prospect to keep an eye on. His game screams pure skill, and his development path will be interesting to watch. Regardless, Stockselius will continue to play in Europe as Flames scouts continue to monitor his progress
Cole Reschny
The best centre in the Flames’ prospect pool by far, Cole Reschny, will continue playing for North Dakota this upcoming season. Reschny was drafted 18th overall by the Flames in 2025 and projects to be a second-line centre at the NHL level. The team won’t rush his progress, as he’s bound to make leaps in his development in college. It also helps that he’s playing on a stacked University of North Dakota team.
Cullen Potter
Another player from the 2025 draft, Cullen Potter, was described as one of the best skaters in his draft class. The Flames snagging him at the end of the first round was considered by many as a steal.
Potter will be committing to Michigan State this upcoming season, where he should get the chance to play in a more competitive environment in hopes that it will positively affect his development.
Jack Hextall
Drafted near the end of the first round in the 2026 draft, Jack Hextall projects to be a solid middle-six centre at the NHL level. He’s also regarded as a highly intelligent player. Either way, his addition to the Flames’ prospect pool is considered by many draft experts as a great addition in hopes that Hextall can add stability to the Flames down the middle.
Max Curran
Acquired by the Flames via the Nazem Kadri trade, Max Curran had a strong season with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. Given the number of prospects the Flames have, it may be tough for Curran to make an impression, but he’s an underrated player in my opinion. Just comes to show how much skill the Flames’ prospect pool has added since Conroy has taken over.
Luke Misa
Once highly regarded, Luke Misa has been overshadowed by some of the newly drafted players. Regardless, Misa still has the potential to be viewed as a steal. He’ll be continuing to play at the University of Pennsylvania, where his development should take a step.
Jaden Lipinski
Currently unsigned, Jaden Lipinksi is highly unlikely to make a mark within the Flames’ prospect pool. He only scored 12 points in 30 games at the University of Maine, resulting in the chance of him going pro not likely given the amount of competition in the Flames’ prospect pool.
Cade Littler
In a similar situation to Lipinski, Cade Littler is also unsigned, and the competition will be fierce for him. He scored 13 points in 35 games for the University of North Dakota and has since entered the transfer portal.
