The Calgary Flames are set to have one of their biggest World Juniors contingents this century at the upcoming 2027 tournament in Red Deer. As expected of a rebuilding team with a deep prospect pool, the Flames should be one of the most represented NHL teams in December.
Let’s take stock of where things stand for every Flames prospect in contention for a spot on their country’s roster.
The locks
These players will 100% represent their countries in December, barring injuries, with most playing top-of-the-lineup roles.
Cole Reschny – Canada
The Flames’ first selection at the 2025 draft, centre Cole Reschny, is in line for a major role on the hometown team this year. After posting an impressive five points (four goals, one assist) in a depth role last year, Reschny looks to be the odds-on favourite to start the tournament as Canada’s number one pivot in 2027.
With eight points in seven games to start the NCAA season, Reschny is the biggest lock on this list and may even earn the C for Canada.
Carson Carels – Canada
Another returnee, Carson Carels made the Canadian blueline last year in his draft year, a rare feat for a player that young. More of a depth piece in 2026, the Flames’ recent 6th overall selection is in line for a much larger workload this time around and should operate as one of Canada’s top defenders at both even strength and on special teams.
Could we see Canada’s number one centre and defencemen both be Flames prospects? It’s certainly trending that way.
Ethan Wyttenbach – U.S.A.
Ethan Wyttenbach was a surprise snub at last year’s tournament, but that won’t be the case this time around. The 2025 5th-round selection was the best forward in college hockey last year and has picked up where he left off with 12 points in his first seven games this year.
The undersized forward was also dominant for the U.S.A. at the summer showcase and should be in line for a major role in the Americans’ top six.
Theo Stockselius – Sweden
Theo Stockselius was in the running for a spot at last year’s tournament before an injury kept him out. This year, he looks like a lock for Sweden given his SHL form and his performance at the summer showcase, where he was one of Sweden’s best centres.
While not as flashy as the names above, Stockselius has 29 SHL games under his belt, which will no doubt be a big asset for Sweden. Look for him to operate as one of Sweden’s go-to centres in all situations.
Strong Contenders
These players aren’t locks to play at the tournament, but their odds of making it are higher than not.
Cullen Potter – U.S.A.
Another American snub, Cullen Potter should’ve been at the 2026 tournament. Potter possesses game-breaking skating and skill and was over a point per game in the NCAA last year before a shoulder injury ended his season in January. This year he’s a strong contender for a role, although his slow start prevents him from being a lock for now.
With only three points through six games this season, his stock has taken a bit of a hit. With that said, given his age and experience, I still think his odds of cracking the roster in a middle-six role are high.
Alan Shaikhlislamov – Russia
It appears as though Russia will be back at the World Juniors for the first time since 2021. Good news for Flames second-rounder Alan Shaikhlislamov, who has torn up the MHL to start the year. The 18-year-old currently ranks second in the MHL with a point-per-game rate of 1.31 and would be a strong contender for a role on the first Russian team in six years.
On the bubble
The odds of these players making the tournament are basically a toss-up. Hot or cold streaks to close out November could be the difference in making it or not.
Jack Hextall – U.S.A.
The Flames’ 30th overall pick in 2026, Jack Hextall, has had a solid start to the 2026-27 NCAA season after a disappointing performance at the summer showcase. With four points in six games, he’s placed himself firmly on the bubble heading into the final stretch before rosters are selected.
The Americans will once again have one of the deepest rosters to the tournament, so Hextall will need to beat out a bunch of names to earn one of the final spots. If he can continue to put up points, he has a chance at earning a depth spot on the team.
Chase Harrington – Canada
Chase Harrington was a surprise addition to Canada’s summer showcase roster in August, a sign of just how highly Hockey Canada brass view him despite modest production last year. He’s followed that up with a torrid start to the 2026-27 season and now looks to be firmly in the running for a depth role on Team Canada.
The Canadians love to bring a couple of meat-and-potatoes players every year, and Harrington fits the bill to a T as both a major pest and captain in the WHL. If he can continue to rack up points in Spokane, I think he earns a depth role as an energy forward.
Tobias Trejbal – Czechia
The first goaltender selected at the 2026 draft, Tobias Trejbal is firmly on the bubble for Czechia right now. The problem for the young goaltender is that the Czechs are expected to bring back two goalies from last year, meaning he’s battling for one spot as the team’s third goalie option.
A slow start in the NCAA hasn’t helped his case, although his pedigree may be enough to earn him a spot on the team come December. Some better results in November wouldn’t hurt either.
The long shots
These players have a better than 0 chance of making the tournament, but it would be a surprise to see them included.
Mace’o Phillips – U.S.A.
The hulking American defender was a surprise inclusion on U.S.A.’s summer showcase roster, although it’d be quite the shock to see him named to the final roster.
While Phillips offers unrivalled size and grit, his lack of offensive ability almost certainly prevents him from making the team. That said, the fact he was included in the summer showcase means the American brass are at least keeping an eye on him. Perhaps if they want some added truculence, he earns a spot as an extra defender.
Simon Katolicky – Czechia
2026 fifth-round pick Simon Katolicky has represented Czechia at just about every level thus far in his young career, including at the 2026 IIHF U18 tournament where Czechia claimed bronze. After being selected 11th overall at the OHL import draft, Katolicky has kicked off the year with a modest nine points in 17 games.
While he’s a long shot to make the final roster, his name is certainly in the mix given his combination of size and international experience.
