The Calgary Flames used their final second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on a player who fits the “bet on upside” mold: winger Alan Shaikhlislamov, taken 55th overall out of the MHL.
Shaikhlislamov comes with some notable draft-day intrigue. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic had him 83rd on his board, while EliteProspects ranked him 52nd.
He’s a left-shot winger who mostly lines up on the right side, stands 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds, and still has room to add more size in the years ahead. Born in September 2008, he was one of the youngest players available in this draft class - so young that he was only days away from slipping into 2027 eligibility.
For now, the Russian forward is expected to keep developing at home. He’s slated to continue his career in Russia next season, with the long-term goal of working his way into more regular KHL minutes. He already logged one KHL game this past season, but most of his recent work has come with Tolpar Ufa in the MHL.
That’s where Shaikhlislamov has built his résumé so far. Over the last two seasons with Tolpar Ufa, he’s shown steady offensive growth.
In 2024-25, as a 16-year-old, he put up 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points in 46 games, finishing seventh on his team in scoring despite being the youngest player on the roster. That 33-point total is the 17th highest ever by a U17 player in the MHL.
This past season brought more production, even if the path wasn’t smooth. Shaikhlislamov opened the year with a five-game goal streak, then an injury knocked him out for 22 games.
When he came back at the start of January, it took him a while to get back into rhythm, but his offence picked up again by the end of the season. He closed with 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in just 31 games, good for fourth on Tolpar Ufa in scoring while still being one of the youngest players on the team.
His 1.13 points per game rank 14th all-time among U18 MHL skaters, ahead of Alexander Zharovsky, Roman Kantserov, and Daniela Yurov.
The appeal starts with the puck on his stick. Shaikhlislamov’s hands stand out immediately, and he can create chances for himself and for teammates by working into open space in the offensive zone. When he’s confident, he can take over shifts and look like a real problem for defenders at the MHL level.
His shot is another calling card. Shaikhlislamov already owns a pro-level release and can beat goalies from different areas of the ice.
He fires often, too, averaging more than three shots per game this past season. Scott Wheeler described the package this way: “He has natural hands (and an unconventionally high grip when he’s carrying pucks).
He has great dexterity in tipping pucks and handling bad passes. He finds soft ice off coverage and has good instincts on and off the puck.
He has a quick catch-and-release action and a comfortable one-timer.”
The concerns are just as clear. Shaikhlislamov’s decision-making needs work, and his hockey sense can drift into overcomplication.
At times, he forces plays when a simpler option is there, or tries to beat coverage by himself instead of using his teammates to build something cleaner. His shot selection can get messy, too, with pucks fired into traffic when better looks are available.
That’s why this remains a development pick. Shaikhlislamov is headed back to Russia for the 2026-27 season, where the focus will be on earning more consistent KHL minutes and sharpening his game against stronger competition. With a late-2008 birthday and no North American experience, he’s a long-term project rather than someone expected to push for NHL work anytime soon.
Still, the Flames are taking a swing on a player with size, skill and offensive upside. If Shaikhlislamov keeps growing into his frame and cleans up the decision-making, he has a path to becoming a middle-six option down the line.
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