The 2026 NHL Draft has come and gone, and the Calgary Flames have added some exciting young talent to their ranks. With nine picks, the team has a diverse group of players to develop and prepare for the upcoming season. Here's a breakdown of where each of the Flames' 2026 draft picks will be playing in 2026-27, along with some personal commentary and analysis.
First Round
Carson Carels
I think it's fascinating that the Flames chose Carson Carels, a young player with potential, from the University of North Dakota. His commitment to the NCAA is a strategic move, allowing him to develop further before potentially joining the NHL. The Flames' decision to prioritize his college career is a smart one, as it provides him with a strong foundation and a chance to mature as a player. I'm curious to see how he adapts to the professional game and whether he can make the leap to the NHL in the future.
Jack Hextall
Jack Hextall's selection by the Flames is an interesting one. His two seasons with the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms have likely prepared him well for the challenges of the NHL. Joining Michigan State, where he'll be teammates with Cullen Potter, is a good step forward. The Flames' acquisition of their first-round pick from Vegas indicates a strong belief in Hextall's potential. I'm intrigued to see how he performs in a new environment and whether he can make an impact at the professional level.
Second Round
Chase Harrington
Chase Harrington's decision to return to the Spokane Chiefs for another season is a positive sign. His commitment to the WHL is a testament to his dedication and desire to improve. The Flames' choice of the Spokane Chiefs suggests they believe in his ability to develop further within the WHL system. I'm excited to see how he progresses and whether he can become a key player for the Flames in the future.
Tomas Trejbal
Tomas Trejbal's move to the University of Massachusetts is a strategic one. His time with the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms has likely prepared him for the challenges of the NCAA. Joining fellow Czech product Max Curran at U-Mass is a good opportunity for him to develop and learn from a similar cultural background. I'm curious to see how he adapts to the new environment and whether he can make an impact on the team.
Alan Shaikhlislamov
Alan Shaikhlislamov's return to the MHL and Tolpar Ufa is a strong indication of his potential. The Flames' decision to draft him out of Russian major junior hockey suggests they believe in his ability to perform at a high level. I'm intrigued to see how he performs in the MHL and whether he can become a key player for the Flames in the future.
Third Round
Joe Iginla
Joe Iginla's return to the WHL's Vancouver Giants is a positive step. His split-season with the Edmonton Oil Kings and Vancouver Giants has likely provided him with valuable experience. The Flames' decision to keep him in the WHL system suggests they believe in his ability to develop further. I'm excited to see how he progresses and whether he can become a key player for the Flames in the future.
Fourth Round
Egor Barabanov
Egor Barabanov's move to the University of Massachusetts is a strategic one. His time in the USHL and OHL has likely prepared him for the challenges of the NCAA. Joining fellow Flames prospects Max Curran and Tobias Trejbal at U-Mass is a good opportunity for him to develop and learn from his teammates. I'm curious to see how he adapts to the new environment and whether he can make an impact on the team.
Fifth Round
Simon Katolicky
Simon Katolicky's move to the OHL's Sarnia Sting is a positive step. His time in Finnish junior hockey has likely prepared him for the challenges of the OHL. The Flames' decision to draft him and send him to the Sarnia Sting suggests they believe in his ability to develop further. I'm intrigued to see how he performs in the OHL and whether he can become a key player for the Flames in the future.
Sixth Round
Bode Laylin
Bode Laylin's commitment to the University of St. Thomas is a strategic move. His family connection to the university, with his dad coaching and two older brothers attending, is a unique situation. I'm curious to see how he adapts to the new environment and whether he can make an impact on the team. The WHL's Everett Silvertips will be a good testing ground for him before he joins St. Thomas as a 20-year-old freshman.
In summary, the Flames' 2026 draft picks have a variety of paths ahead of them, from the NCAA to the WHL and Russian junior hockey. Each player has the potential to make an impact on the team, and I'm excited to see how they develop and perform in their respective leagues. The Flames' strategy of developing players through different systems is a smart one, and I'm curious to see how it pays off in the future.
