The Calgary Flames have made a bold move in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft by selecting center Jack Hextall. While many expected Hextall to be chosen around the 35th pick, the Flames saw something special in him and decided to bring him into their fold earlier than anticipated.
Hextall's journey to this point has been quite the narrative. He was projected to go anywhere from 18th to 64th overall, with NHL Central Scouting placing him 34th among North American skaters.
Daily Faceoff's prospect analyst, Steven Ellis, had him pegged at 39th, slightly below the consensus. Ellis's insights into Hextall's game paint a picture of a player with a dynamic skill set and a relentless work ethic.
Ellis noted Hextall's knack for multi-point games, both on the international stage and in domestic play with Youngstown. While Ellis doesn't foresee Hextall as a top-tier scorer in the NHL, he believes his versatility will make him a valuable asset in various roles.
With a strong shot and an even better ability to set up plays, Hextall shines particularly on the power play, where his quick decisions often leave goalies scrambling.
This past season, Hextall showcased his talents with the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League. In 59 games, he racked up 20 goals and 38 assists, totaling 58 points.
His performance helped lead the Phantoms to a stellar 43-14-3-2 record, clinching the top spot in both the Eastern Conference and the USHL overall. Hextall's impressive stats placed him 15th in the league for points and 10th for assists, underscoring his playmaking prowess.
In the playoffs, Hextall added a goal and an assist in four games, although the Phantoms were unexpectedly ousted in the conference semifinals by the Madison Capitols. Despite the early exit, Hextall's contributions were significant, tying him for third in scoring on his team.
For the Flames, Hextall represents a promising addition with the potential to grow into a key support player. If he can refine his 5-on-5 impact, he could become an even more integral part of Calgary's future success. As the Flames welcome Hextall to their roster, fans will be eager to see how this young talent evolves in the NHL.
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Some decisions look straightforward enough, while others sit in the middle ground where a team can still see a path forward but is not fully committed. Christian Kyrou, Karsen Dorwart and Hunter McDonald fall into that gray area, the sort of bubble cases that can turn a quiet deadline into a meaningful one for the Flyers. The bigger question is how far the club is willing to go to preserve its options, especially when one of the more recognizable names in the group brings a real financial wrinkle into the conversation. [Read more 🡒]