Ranking the 10 best Calgary Flames draft picks in recent memory

3. Matthew Tkachuk – No. 6 overall in 2016

Despite the disappointing way his Calgary career ended a year ago, Matthew Tkachuk was no doubt one of the best players in the league during his tenure as a Flame, and with such a loaded draft, the team were no doubt glad to land the right player at this spot. In six years with Calgary, Thachuk managed to rack up an impressive 382 points in 431 games played, and while the team no doubt wanted him to be a Flame for life, the time he did spent in the city was very impactful.

If they had their time back, Calgary would no doubt make the exact same pick, and while the front office wasn’t as diligent in keeping him around long-term, he was a star on and off the ice for six years, and the team once again nailed a top pick.

2. Rasmus Andersson – No. 53 overall in 2015

The Calgary Flames are in an odd spot right now with their current team, as they have the ability to pivot to continuing their playoff push or they can go with some big moves to build a young squad, but regardless of their move, defenceman Rasmus Andersson will be a key piece for them going forward. It continues to baffle fans just how No. 4 made it all the way to No. 53 overall back in 2015, but since that point, he’s done nothing but impress for the Flames, tallying 161 points in his 377 games for Calgary.

Sure, there’s been way more spectacular players for the franchise since that point, but Andersson has been consistent and solid since he made his debut back in 2016, and now, he will be relied upon to lead the team going forward, and could join an elite group of Flames defenceman if he continues at this level.