Calgary Flames Draft Top Prospects

The Calgary Flames walked away with a premium defenseman in Carson Carels at 6 in the 2026 NHL draft.

What happened?

The Flames also grabbed Jack Hextall, a smart and competitive center, late in the first round.

Carls is a strong two-way defender with elite physical play and strong offense.

He could be a great top-four defenseman who will play significant NHL minutes, and his addition is a key part of the Flames' rebuild.

The Flames' current standing is 14th in the Western Conference with a 34-39 record, on a W1 streak as of June 29, 2026.

Corey Pronman details what to expect from the Calgary Flames' new prospects, including Chase Harrington and Tobias Trejbal, who were picked on Day 2.

Hextall is a skilled center with excellent offensive sense and a diligent pivot who can play both ways.

He doesn't shy away from going into traffic and has the tools to become a legitimate third-line center in the NHL.

The Flames' draft class has the potential to become a very important part of their rebuild, with Carls and Hextall leading the way.

And with their new prospects, the Flames are looking to improve their record and make a push for the playoffs.

But for now, they are focused on developing their young players and building a strong team for the future.

So the Flames' fans have a lot to be excited about, with a promising young core and a strong draft class.

Carls has good hands and vision, and can activate into plays, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Hextall was one of the very best centers in the USHL, with a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit.

The Flames' coaching staff will be working closely with their new prospects to help them develop and reach their full potential.

And with the right guidance and training, the Flames' young players could become key contributors to the team's success.

But it's still early days, and the Flames will need to wait and see how their new prospects develop over time.

The Flames' fans will be keeping a close eye on Carls and Hextall, as they look to make an impact in the NHL.