The Calgary Flames have set the stage for a significant rebuild, and the recent trade deadline was a clear indication of their intentions. The Flames made waves by sending Mackenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth, and while they were initially quiet on deadline day, they eventually pulled off a trio of trades.
The most notable move was sending Nazem Kadri back to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, Calgary received a 2028 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, winger Victor Olofsson, and an intriguing prospect, Max Curran.
Let’s dive into what makes Curran a valuable addition to the Flames.
Max Curran: Career Overview
Max Curran’s journey began in Czechia, where he honed his skills with the HC Slavia Praha program. His impressive performance caught the attention of CHL teams, and he was selected 39th overall by the Tri-City Americans in the 2023 CHL import draft.
During the 2023-24 season, Curran showcased his potential with five goals and 32 points in 40 games, catching the eye of the Colorado Avalanche, who picked him 151st overall in the 2024 NHL draft.
The following year, Curran took on a larger role with Tri-City, becoming an offensive leader. He stepped up with 22 goals and 74 points in 65 games, leading his team in scoring and helping them reach the playoffs, although they were ousted by the Victoria Royals in five games.
This season, Curran was traded to the Edmonton Oil Kings, where he continued to impress with 14 goals and 41 points in 31 games, ranking third on his team in points per game. He also played a key role for Czechia at the World Juniors, contributing five points in seven games and helping secure a silver medal. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, requiring surgery.
Curran is set to continue his development at the University of Massachusetts for the 2026-27 season.
Analyzing Curran’s Play-Style
Curran’s game is built around his impressive playmaking ability. Standing at 6’3” and 187 pounds, he has the physical attributes to potentially play center in the NHL. His vision and patience allow him to make smart passes, whether it’s a simple tape-to-tape feed or a complex cross-zone pass.
In addition to his passing skills, Curran has a knack for reading the game and making quick, effective moves with the puck. He thrives in open space, using it to create opportunities for his teammates or draw defenders away. Defensively, he positions himself well, contributing to both shutting down opponents and generating scoring chances.
However, Curran’s skating and shooting need refinement. While he possesses decent top-end speed, his agility is a work in progress, and his shot lacks the power needed for the professional level.
Projecting Curran’s Future
Since being drafted, Curran has shown consistent improvement, likely exceeding the expectations of a fifth-round pick. He’s set to play in the NCAA next season, with a potential 1-2 year stint in the AHL thereafter.
In terms of NHL potential, Curran projects as a reliable bottom-six forward. His two-way play and passing ability make him a versatile asset in various situations. There’s an outside chance he could develop into a middle-six role, but a third or fourth-line center seems like a solid bet.
Adding Depth to the Flames’ Prospect Pool
Max Curran’s addition strengthens the Flames’ prospect depth. His size, intelligence, and playmaking skills make him a promising candidate for a future role in Calgary’s lineup. With the other assets acquired in the Kadri trade, the Flames have bolstered their future with a prospect who could very well become a key piece in their rebuilding efforts.