The 2026 NHL Draft has wrapped up, and it was quite an eventful time for the Calgary Flames and their general manager, Craig Conroy. Over the course of two days in Buffalo, the Flames made nine selections, adding a mix of talent and potential to their roster. Let's dive into what each of these new prospects brings to the table.
Carson Carels, Defenseman, 1st Round, 6th Overall
Carson Carels is the kind of player the Flames have been yearning for-a high-caliber left-shot defenseman. Hailing from Manitoba, Carels combines size, intelligence, skill, and a relentless work ethic. He's the kind of player who embodies the Flames' vision for their future, filling a crucial gap in their defensive lineup.
Jack Hextall, Center, 1st Round, 30th Overall
With their second first-round pick, the Flames chose Jack Hextall, a center known for his speed, tenacity, and skill. Hextall has shown his versatility by playing both center and wing at USHL Youngstown, proving his ability to adapt and thrive in various game situations. He’s a right shot with the grit and determination that could make him a fan favorite.
Chase Harrington, Left Wing, 2nd Round, 36th Overall
Chase Harrington is a winger with a knack for versatility. Coming from the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs, he can switch between a skillful finesse game and a gritty, physical style depending on the needs of his team. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset for any line he joins.
Tobias Trejbal, Goalie, 2nd Round, 42nd Overall
The Flames made a strategic move to trade up and secure Tobias Trejbal, considered one of the top goalies in the draft. A standout performer from the USHL Youngstown, Trejbal is set to develop further at UMass. With Calgary's current depth in net, he has the perfect opportunity to hone his skills and potentially become a cornerstone for the team's future.
Alan Shaikhlislamov, Right Wing, 2nd Round, 55th Overall
Alan Shaikhlislamov, one of the youngest players in this draft, has already made waves in Russia’s top under-20 league and even debuted in the KHL. His impressive scoring rate at such a young age caught the attention of analytics experts, marking him as a player with significant upside.
Joe Iginla, Right Wing, 3rd Round, 65th Overall
Carrying the legacy of his father, Jarome Iginla, Joe Iginla brings potential and a bit of intrigue to the Flames. After overcoming challenges with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings and finding his stride with the Vancouver Giants, Iginla is a bet on potential with a high ceiling. The Flames see him as a worthwhile risk given their current prospect depth.
Egor Barabanov, Center, 4th Round, 100th Overall
Egor Barabanov made a name for himself in the OHL after a couple of seasons in the USHL. As an overage player, he showed significant offensive promise, drawing comparisons to past successful picks. Barabanov’s experience and skill make him an intriguing addition to the Flames’ lineup.
Simon Katolicky, Left Wing, 5th Round, 132nd Overall
Once considered a potential first-round pick, Simon Katolicky had a challenging year but remains a player with considerable potential. The Flames are betting on a comeback as he joins the OHL’s Sarnia Sting, hoping he can rediscover the form that once had scouts buzzing.
Bode Laylin, Defenseman, 6th Round, 164th Overall
Bode Laylin comes from a hockey family and has shown promise as a defender in the USHL with Tri-City. He’s set to continue his development with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips before heading to college. Laylin is a project pick, but the Flames are optimistic about his future contributions.
The Flames have added a diverse group of players who each bring unique skills and potential to the organization. From high-profile picks to promising sleepers, Calgary's draft class of 2026 is one to watch as these young players develop and aim to make their mark in the NHL.
In Other News...
Flames Blue-Line Vision Just Took A Massive Step Forward
Craig Conroys effort to reshape the Flames blue line has been years in the making, and it is starting to look less like a theory and more like a real organizational identity. Since taking over as general manager in 2023, Conroy has leaned hard into stocking the pipeline with right-handed defenders through trades and drafts, giving Calgary a different kind of depth chart than it has carried for most of the cap era.
Carson Carels is the latest and loudest sign of that shift. The highly regarded defense prospect came off the board at No. 6 in the 2026 NHL Draft, a startling jump for a franchise that has long struggled to land elite blue-liners early, and his arrival only adds to the sense that Calgary is trying to build something sturdier from the back end forward. With other young defense pieces also beginning to take shape, the Flames suddenly have a real chance to compare favorably with a lot of the league if this group develops the way the organization believes it can. [Read more 🡒]
Wranglers Could Be Headed For Another Major Leadership Shakeup
The Calgary Wranglers are heading into the summer with the kind of roster uncertainty that usually comes with a new AHL season, but this one carries a little more weight than most. Several players are either up for new deals or may end up elsewhere depending on how the Flames sort out their own lineup, which means the Wranglers could look noticeably different when camp opens for 2025-26.
A few familiar names are at the center of that turnover, and the ripple effects go beyond simple depth-chart shuffling. Calgary already knows it may need to absorb some losses and replace offense from the wings, while also sorting out how much room there is for younger pieces to push in from above or earn bigger roles below. If the summer breaks a certain way, the Wranglers will not just be tweaking the roster - they could be resetting the tone of the room, too. [Read more 🡒]
Flames Camp Just Put A Surprising Spotlight On Their Future Blue Line
The Flames are set to open development camp July 1 at WinSport, and the first glance at this summers prospect group offers a pretty useful snapshot of where the organization is trying to go next. Twenty-five players are slated to take part in three days of on-ice work, with every one of Calgarys nine 2026 draft picks in the mix alongside a few of the most intriguing names in the system.
Among the group, the blue line is drawing as much attention as any other part of the roster. Carson Carels stands out as the kind of defender the Flames can dream on, while Cole Reschny, Cullen Potter and Ethan Wyttenbach are also expected to get a close look before eventually returning to Calgary after their NCAA seasons. Henry Mews is part of the camp list as well, adding another layer of interest to a group that should give the Flames a clearer sense of how much future help they may already have in the pipeline. [Read more 🡒]