Let’s talk about the names that didn’t make the cut - because when USA Hockey dropped its World Junior Championship camp roster, there were a couple of notable omissions that raised eyebrows, especially for Calgary Flames fans tracking the pipeline.
Two names in particular stand out: Cullen Potter and Ethan Wyttenbach. Both have been turning heads for different reasons this season, and both were left off the invite list.
Surprising? Absolutely.
But if you’re looking for silver linings, both prospects are climbing fast in the latest edition of the Flames’ organizational prospect rankings - and their trajectories are giving Calgary plenty to be excited about.
Let’s dig into the top names making noise in the system.
1. Matvei Gridin
Calgary Wranglers (AHL)
The Flames knew they had something in Gridin, but even they might not have expected this kind of breakout. At just 19 years old, Gridin isn’t just holding his own in the AHL - he’s thriving.
He’s the lone teenager in the league’s top 10 scorers and one of only two rookies with that distinction. That’s not just promising, that’s elite territory.
He recently ripped off a seven-game point streak - the longest of his young pro career - showing off the kind of consistency that turns heads in NHL front offices. Flames GM Craig Conroy didn’t mince words during a recent broadcast: “He’s putting a lot of pressure on us to get him back up here.” When your GM is publicly acknowledging that, you know you’re doing something right.
Gridin’s speed and offensive instincts are already NHL-caliber. If he keeps this up, it’s not a question of if he gets another look in Calgary - it’s when.
2. Carter Reschny
University of North Dakota (NCAA)
Reschny is already making an impact at North Dakota, and he just put together one of his most complete weekends yet. With the Fighting Hawks missing their most experienced center, the 18-year-old stepped up in a big way - racking up four assists and dominating the dot with a 61.4% faceoff win rate in a two-game sweep of Bemidji State.
In November alone, Reschny tallied 11 points in just seven games. But it’s not just about the numbers - it’s the little things he does so well: smart positioning, responsible two-way play, and the ability to elevate his game when the moment calls for it. That’s the kind of profile that gets you serious consideration for Team Canada’s World Junior roster.
He’s not flashy, but he’s effective - and for a first-round pick, he’s showing exactly the kind of growth Calgary hoped for.
3. Cullen Potter
Season to date: 16 GP, 5 G, 9 A, 14 P
Potter’s omission from the U.S. World Junior camp roster was one of the more surprising calls. The Minnesota native has been red-hot lately, riding a seven-game point streak and showing a knack for timely offense - including two game-winners in a recent three-game stretch.
He’s also been more aggressive, firing a season-high seven shots on net on Black Friday. That’s the kind of assertiveness you want to see from a first-rounder adjusting to the next level. After a slower start, Potter’s clearly found his rhythm, and while missing out on the World Juniors - especially with the tournament in his home state - will sting, he’ll be eligible again next year.
For now, the Flames have to be thrilled with how Potter is trending. His speed is a legitimate weapon, and he’s beginning to show he can harness it consistently in high-leverage moments.
Honorable Mention: Ethan Wyttenbach
No invite for Wyttenbach either - despite leading all NCAA freshmen in scoring. That’s not a stat you can ignore. He’s gone from under-the-radar to breakout performer in just a few months, and while he didn’t crack the top three in this ranking, he’s clearly on the rise.
A Quick Note on Eligibility
A reminder: these rankings focus strictly on players not currently on the NHL roster. That’s why you won’t see Zayne Parekh here, even though he’s been loaned to Team Canada for the World Juniors. And congrats to Yan Kuznetsov, who officially graduates from prospect status.
Bottom line: While the World Junior snubs might sting in the short term, the bigger picture for Calgary is still bright. Gridin is knocking on the NHL door.
Reschny is quietly building a complete game. Potter is heating up.
And Wyttenbach is proving he belongs in the conversation.
The Flames’ prospect pool is showing depth, upside, and momentum - and that’s exactly what you want to see if you’re building for sustained success.