The Calgary Flames could be a major presence at the 2027 World Juniors in Red Deer, and the early read on their prospect pool points to a strong showing across several countries. Some of these names are already close to locks, while others still have work to do before December.
At the top of the list sits Cole Reschny, the Flames’ first pick in the 2025 draft and the player who looks poised to take on a huge role for Canada. He put up five points - four goals and one assist - in a depth role at last year’s tournament, and now he appears to be the leading candidate to open 2027 as Canada’s top centre.
His start at the NCAA level has only strengthened that case, with eight points in seven games. Reschny may even wear the C for Canada.
Carson Carels is in a similar spot on the back end. He made Canada’s blue line last year in his draft year, which is no small feat, and while he filled more of a depth role in 2026, the Flames’ recent 6th overall selection is expected to take on a much larger workload this time. He should be one of Canada’s key defencemen, both at even strength and on special teams.
Canada may not be the only team leaning on Flames prospects in big spots. Ethan Wyttenbach, who was left out of last year’s event, is now a strong bet to crack the U.S. roster.
The 2025 fifth-round pick was the best forward in college hockey last season and has picked up right where he left off, with 12 points in his first seven games this year. He also stood out for the U.S.A. at the summer showcase and should be in line for a top-six role.
Theo Stockselius also looks like a safe bet to make it. He was in the mix for Sweden last year before an injury knocked him out, and this time his SHL experience and summer showcase performance have pushed him into lock territory. Stockselius has 29 SHL games under his belt, and Sweden should lean on him as one of its most trusted centres in all situations.
There are also a few Flames prospects who are clearly in the mix but not quite there yet. Cullen Potter was another American snub last year, and his case is still strong even if his start has been quieter than expected.
Potter had more than a point per game in the NCAA last season before a shoulder injury ended his year in January. This season, he has three points in six games, which has cooled his stock a bit, but his age, experience and skating still make him a real contender for a middle-six job.
Alan Shaikhlislamov is making a push for Russia as well. If Russia does return to the World Juniors for the first time since 2021, the Flames’ second-rounder will have a real chance to be part of it. The 18-year-old has been excellent in the MHL, where he ranks second with a 1.31 points-per-game pace, and that production gives him a strong case for a role on the first Russian team in six years.
Jack Hextall has put himself on the edge of the roster picture for the U.S.A. The Flames’ 30th overall pick in 2026 followed a disappointing summer showcase with a solid start to the 2026-27 NCAA season, posting four points in six games. The Americans are expected to be loaded again, so Hextall will have to keep producing to beat out a crowded field, but he’s at least in the conversation for one of the final spots.
Chase Harrington has also made a real case for Canada. He was a surprise addition to the summer showcase roster in August, which showed how highly Hockey Canada views him despite modest production last year.
Since then, he’s caught fire to start the 2026-27 season and now looks to be firmly in the running for a depth role. Canada tends to carry a few hard-nosed players, and Harrington fits that mold as both a pest and a captain in the WHL.
If he keeps scoring in Spokane, he could land an energy-forward spot.
Tobias Trejbal remains in the mix for Czechia, though the path is tricky. The first goaltender selected at the 2026 draft is battling for what would likely be the team’s third goalie spot, since the Czechs are expected to return two netminders from last year. His slow NCAA start has not helped, but his draft pedigree keeps him on the bubble.
A couple of names sit further down the board, but they’re not completely out of it. Mace’o Phillips was a surprise pick for the U.S.A. summer showcase roster, and while his size and grit stand out, his lack of offensive punch makes him a long shot for the final team. Still, his inclusion there suggests the American staff is paying attention, and he could be considered if they want more physicality on the back end.
Simon Katolicky is also a long shot for Czechia, though his international résumé gives him a fighting chance. The 2026 fifth-round pick has represented Czechia at nearly every level so far, including the 2026 IIHF U18 tournament, where the team won bronze.
After going 11th overall in the OHL import draft, he has started this season with nine points in 17 games. That’s not enough to make him a favorite, but his size and experience keep him in the conversation.
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