Welcome to The Win Column 2026 Calgary Flames Prospects Rankings. Ranked 13th on our list is the 74th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft: Henry Mews.
Who is Henry Mews?
| Position | Age | Year Drafted | Round Drafted | 2026 Ranking | 2025 Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defence | 20 | 2024 | Round 3 | 13th | 10th |
The Flames drafted Henry Mews in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft. His offensive production was quite impressive during his time in the OHL, and getting the chance to play in the NCAA was an opportunity too great to pass up. However, Mews only managed to get 10 games in this season for the University of Michigan as his season was cut short due to injury. He should be ready to go for the 2026–27 season.
Mews’ development so far
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Ottawa 67’s | OHL | 65 | 15 | 46 | 61 |
| 2024-25 | Ottawa 67’s/Sudbury Wolves | OHL | 68 | 14 | 68 | 82 |
| 2025-26 | University of Michigan | NCAA | 10 | 0 | 9 | 9 |
As mentioned, Mews’ production around his draft year was nothing short of impressive. Mews finished third in the OHL in defensive scoring in 2025, and would then commit to the NCAA the following season. While this season was cut short for Mews, it’ll be interesting to see how he bounces back in the hopes he remains healthy and takes his game to the next level.
Mews’ Strengths
Puck moving ability and transition play
Mews’ biggest strength is his ability to move the puck efficiently and drive play out of the defensive zone. He is an excellent transitional defender who consistently completes clean breakouts through crisp outlet passes or controlled zone exits. Rather than simply chipping pucks off the glass, he keeps his head up, identifies the best option, and advances possession with purpose. His poise under pressure allows his team to maintain possession and quickly transition from defence to offence.
Offensive instincts
Mews is an offensively gifted defenceman who excels at creating chances from the blue line. He processes the game quickly and has the vision to identify passing lanes before they fully develop. Whether quarterbacking the power play or joining the rush at even strength, he consistently puts teammates in positions to generate quality scoring opportunities. He isn’t a high-risk player, but he is confident enough to activate offensively when he recognizes an opening.
Mews’ Weaknesses
Strength and physicality
Mews’ biggest physical challenge is his ability to handle stronger opponents in the defensive zone. He is not a player who relies on punishing physical play, and his current frame can make it difficult for him to consistently win battles against larger forwards along the boards and around the crease. He competes hard and uses his stick effectively, but adding strength will be crucial as he transitions to professional hockey. A stronger base will help him maintain body position, separate opponents from the puck, and better handle net-front battles. At the NHL level, smart positioning alone is not always enough—defencemen must also be able to physically defend valuable ice.
Defensive zone coverage
While Mews understands offensive structure at a high level, his defensive-zone reads can still be inconsistent. There are moments where he can become overly focused on the puck carrier and lose track of opponents rotating into dangerous areas. Against higher-level competition, small mistakes in coverage can quickly turn into scoring chances. Continuing to improve his awareness away from the puck will be important. He will need to become more disciplined in identifying threats, protecting the middle of the ice, and recognizing when to leave his man to support a teammate.
Mews’ next steps
Expect Mews to be healthy and ready to go for the University of Michigan for this upcoming season. The key for Mews is remaining healthy and adjusting to the play of the NCAA. It certainly won’t be easy, but Mews has all the tools to become an NHLer one day, but it will be quite the road ahead.
NHL projection
Ceiling: Top-pair defenceman
Likely Outcome: Top-four two-way defenceman
Floor: Depth defender
NHL timeline projection
Assuming all goes well for Mews, he could appear in NHL games in likely two seasons. Either he comes out straight from college or gets some conditioning in the AHL.
See our other prospect rankings, with Theo Stockselius at no.14, Mace’o Phillips at no.15 and Honourable Mentions.
