The Calgary Flames have finally pulled the trigger on a Rasmus Andersson trade, sending the veteran blueliner to the Vegas Golden Knights. In return, Calgary picks up a solid package: a first-round pick, a conditional second-rounder, defenseman Zach Whitecloud, and an intriguing prospect in Abram Wiebe.
While most of the buzz has centered around Whitecloud’s immediate impact and the draft capital, it’s Wiebe - a player still flying under the radar - who could quietly end up being the most interesting piece in this deal a few years down the line.
Who Is Abram Wiebe?
Let’s start with the basics. Abram Wiebe hails from Mission, British Columbia, and was a seventh-round pick by Vegas back in 2022.
That’s right - seventh round. But don’t let the draft position fool you.
Wiebe’s development curve has been steadily climbing, and he’s already outperformed expectations at nearly every level he’s played.
Back in his draft year, Wiebe posted 31 points in 54 games for the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs, then added nine assists in 11 playoff games. Solid numbers, but nothing eye-popping.
That changed the following season. Wearing the captain’s "C" for Chilliwack, Wiebe exploded for 53 points in 54 games and tacked on another 12 in 15 playoff contests.
He wasn’t just one of the top-scoring defensemen in the league - he led his team in scoring. As a defenseman.
That kind of production earned him a spot with the University of North Dakota, one of the NCAA’s premier hockey programs. His freshman campaign saw him tally 10 points - respectable for a first-year blueliner adjusting to the college game.
But it was his sophomore season where things really clicked. Wiebe notched 24 points in 38 games, finishing fourth in team scoring - ahead of several forwards, including fellow Flames prospect Cade Littler.
This season, Wiebe has continued his upward trajectory. Through 24 games, he’s posted 14 points, ranking second among defensemen and eighth overall on the team. Notably, Flames prospect Cole Reschny currently leads the squad in scoring, giving Calgary fans plenty to watch at North Dakota.
What Kind of Player Is He?
When you see a defenseman putting up those kinds of numbers, the natural question is: Can he defend? With Wiebe, the answer is a confident yes.
He’s not just an offensive-minded blueliner padding stats on the power play. He’s shown a well-rounded game, combining strong puck-moving skills with reliable defensive play.
He’s effective at the blue line, stands his ground in the corners, and isn’t afraid to battle for pucks. One of the more telling metrics?
He ranks in the 90th percentile for shooting, but also boasts a retrievals-per-60 rate near 80% - a sign of a player who works hard in the dirty areas and doesn’t shy away from physical play.
Now, some of his defensive metrics like blocks and hits may not jump off the page - but context matters. Wiebe spends a lot of time in the offensive zone, with roughly 90% of his shifts starting there.
That suggests he’s doing his job pushing the puck up ice and maintaining pressure. You’re not going to rack up a ton of hits or blocked shots when you’re dictating play in the other team’s end.
He’s been primarily deployed on UND’s second pairing this season, with some special teams usage sprinkled in. Given how productive he’s been with limited ice time, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his role expand as the season progresses.
What’s Next for Wiebe in Calgary?
All signs point to this being Wiebe’s final season in the NCAA. The Flames are expected to sign him at season’s end and bring him into the fold with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. From there, it’s about development and opportunity.
Before the trade, Wiebe was ranked as Vegas’ sixth-best prospect by Scott Wheeler. In Calgary’s deeper system, he likely slides into the teens - not a knock on his talent, but a reflection of the Flames’ organizational depth on the blue line. That means he’ll probably start near the bottom of the AHL depth chart and have to earn his way up.
The floor for Wiebe is solid AHL depth - a reliable presence who can log minutes and step in when needed. But his ceiling?
That’s where things get interesting. He’s got the size (6’3", 209 pounds), the skating, and the two-way instincts to eventually carve out a role as a sixth or seventh defenseman at the NHL level.
And if he continues to develop the way he has over the past few years, there’s a real shot he becomes a dependable middle-pairing guy.
Late bloomers aren’t uncommon in the NHL, especially on the back end. Just look at what Yan Kuznetsov has done this season. Wiebe could follow a similar path if things break right.
Final Thoughts
The Andersson trade may be headlined by Zach Whitecloud and the draft picks, but Abram Wiebe is the kind of player who could quietly become the steal of the deal. He’s got the tools, the trajectory, and the work ethic. He’s not NHL-ready just yet, but don’t be surprised if he starts turning heads in Calgary sooner rather than later.
Bottom line: Abram Wiebe is a name Flames fans should get to know - because he might not stay under the radar for long.