On Sunday night, the Calgary Flames made a bold move that signals a shift in direction, trading longtime defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. In return, Calgary picked up a package built around future potential: a conditional 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2028 second-rounder, NHL blueliner Zach Whitecloud, and collegiate defenseman Abram Wiebe.
Let’s take a closer look at Wiebe, the younger of the two defensemen Calgary landed in the deal-and arguably the most intriguing long-term piece.
Who is Abram Wiebe?
Hailing from Mission, British Columbia, Wiebe is a left-shot defenseman with the kind of size NHL teams covet-he stands 6-foot-3 and tips the scales at 209 pounds. His development path has been a slow burn, but one that’s trending in the right direction.
He spent three full seasons in the BCHL with the Chilliwack Chiefs, covering his 17-, 18-, and 19-year-old campaigns from 2020 through 2023. Despite being one of the youngest players eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft, he went undrafted. It wasn’t until his second year of eligibility-after a strong 2021-22 season-that Vegas took a flyer on him in the seventh round, 209th overall.
That kind of late-round pick doesn’t usually come with much fanfare. But Wiebe has done what you hope for in a long-term project: he’s steadily gotten better.
Climbing the NCAA Ladder
Wiebe joined the University of North Dakota in 2023-24 and had a quiet freshman year offensively-just one goal and 10 points. But he took a noticeable step forward as a sophomore, more than doubling his output with four goals and 24 points. Through 24 games this season, his junior year, he’s already chipped in three goals and 14 points while playing on UND’s second pairing.
That pairing is worth noting. Wiebe’s been lining up next to Keaton Verhoeff, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. Playing alongside high-end talent has only helped sharpen his game.
He also represented the U.S. Collegiate Selects at the 2025 Spengler Cup, a nod to his growing profile in the college ranks.
Leadership and Usage
Now wearing an ‘A’ on his jersey as an alternate captain, Wiebe has taken on more responsibility both on and off the ice. Early in the season, he was logging around 20 minutes per game-a clear sign the coaching staff trusts him in all situations.
That kind of workload and leadership role speaks volumes. It’s not just about putting up points; it’s about being reliable, consistent, and prepared. And according to UND head coach Brad Berry, that’s exactly what Wiebe brings.
“When he goes back to break out a puck, he has a plan. He knows the next play,” Berry said last year. “He invests in himself on a daily basis, which gives him an opportunity to be ready in games and to be an impact player.”
Scouting the Skill Set
Wiebe’s game is built on a strong foundation. He’s mobile for his size, has a solid first pass, and is learning to use his shot more effectively-especially from the point on the power play. He’s not just a stay-at-home guy; there’s some offensive upside there, too.
He’s also shown a willingness to play physically and close gaps with smart stick work and positioning. Scouts have taken notice of his steady development curve and believe there’s pro potential in his game. He may still be a long shot to log meaningful NHL minutes anytime soon, but he’s moving in the right direction.
Where He Fits in Calgary’s System
If you’re looking for a comparable within the Flames' pipeline, Eric Jamieson might be the closest match. Like Wiebe, Jamieson was also drafted in his second year of eligibility and is a versatile, reliable left-shot defenseman. Jamieson is two years younger and just starting his college career, but both players bring a similar blend of size, smarts, and steady play.
Wiebe is currently skating at UND alongside fellow Flames prospects Cole Reschny and Cade Littler, making him part of a growing collegiate contingent within Calgary’s system.
What’s Next?
The Flames will be keeping a close eye on Wiebe as the NCAA season winds down. The big question: will he decide to turn pro this spring and sign with Calgary, or return to North Dakota for his senior year?
Either way, the Flames have added a prospect who’s trending upward and showing signs of becoming a legitimate NHL option down the line. He’s not a headline-grabber today, but Wiebe’s the kind of player who could quietly develop into a valuable piece of the puzzle in a few years’ time.
For a team looking to build a sustainable future, that’s exactly the kind of bet you want to make.