The 2026 NHL Draft is complete, which means it is now time to take a look at the Calgary Flames’ draft class and grade each of the picks. The Flames had a solid two days this year, selecting players who can be projects and turn into potential pieces down the road. It wasn’t outstanding; however, they certainly did improve their farm system.
6th Carson Carels: A
Speaking of farms, the Flames’ first pick of the draft wasn’t in Buffalo, instead with his family on their farm back in Manitoba. Carson Carels of the Prince George Cougars was the best player available while also fitting a need of Calgary’s at the sixth overall pick. 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games, while also representing Canada at the World Juniors, showcasing his solid play. A 6’2″, left-shot defenceman, Carels doesn’t create a logjam, as they don’t have too much talent on the left side. He will most definitely be the long-term partner alongside Zayne Parekh on the first pair when he makes the NHL, as the two of them complement each other’s games extremely well.
30th Jack Hextall: A-
Ending day one for the Flames was the selection of Jack Hextall, a centre from the USHL. A Michigan State University commit and a near point-per-game player in his draft year, Hextall is extremely versatile. He can lead breakouts after receiving outlet passes from his defenceman, and also finish off the plays with a strong shot. He still has some time to go before he can make the jump to the pro level. Although he has extreme promise and helps out down the middle, a place where Calgary is lacking.
36th Chase Harrington: B
Many are 50/50 on Chase Harrington. Some people love the pick, others not so much. A lot of that has to do with the talent that was left on the board here. Someone like Mathis Preston, who is a high-ceiling player that dropped after a down year due to poor team performance and injury. Harrington is a pest, a net-front presence. Last year with the Spokane Chiefs, he registered 105 PIMs. While he could’ve been selected later on, he wasn’t a horrible pick, though Calgary could have done better at this spot.
42nd Tobias Trejbal: B+
One would think that a team with Dustin Wolf locked up long-term wouldn’t need to trade up to pick the top goalie of the draft, but that’s what happened. Tobias Trejbal is by no means a bad pick. He put up excellent numbers in both Czechia and the USHL, where he was a teammate of Jack Hextall. He is a value pick. Look at Sebastian Cossa and what the Detroit Red Wings got for him. It is never a bad idea to pick a goalie, and the value can pay off in the long run. Should they have traded up for him? That is another story, and why this pick is not an A.
55th Alan Shaikhlisamov: B+
Another B+ for Calgary here on the selection of Alan Shaikhlisamov. A 17-year-old from Russia who was extremely productive in the MHL, and even played a game in the KHL. While most mock drafts would have had him available at the Flames’ next pick at 65, with how things shake up this late, it is by no means a bad idea to take a player like Shaikhlisamov here. His development will be an interesting one to follow.
65th Joe Iginla: C
The first miss for Calgary comes at 65. Joe Iginla, the son of Flames legend Jarome, is seen as a “bad” pick because he never quite took that next step in his development this season. His production stagnated, which dropped him down mock drafts. It’s what makes this pick confusing, since he would have been available later. There was no need to pick him here; this pick could have been used to bring in more value, and Iginla would be in the 100s. It is a fun pick, and no one is expecting him to be his dad. If he can progress his development next year, then things can be promising.
100th Egor Barabanov: B+
This was a great pick at the 100 spot, taking Egor Barabanov. He is an overager, so that may scare some people, though he produced at great levels in the OHL. 91 points ( 28 goals, 63 assists) in 68 games for the Saginaw Spirit while also going a point-per-game in the playoffs. He brings value and scoring talent, and going to the University of Massachusetts next year will only further his development.
152nd Simon Katolicky: B
Another B here as the Flames took Simon Katolicky 152nd overall. He played decently in the Finnish U20 league with 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in 29 games for Tappara U20. It isn’t a pick to end a rebuild over or to get too excited about. He is a good value selection, but next year in the OHL will tell a lot more.
164th Bode Laylin: B
The Calgary Flames’ final selection of the 2026 NHL Draft was Bode Laylin, also out of the USHL. Laylin was ranked 131 out of all North American skaters by Central Scouting, and was ranked 218th overall by McKeen’s Hockey. He didn’t reach a point-per-game in any of his three years in the USHL. Similar to Katolicky, his next year, when he plays for the Everett Silvertips, will tell a lot more.