2023 Calgary Flames Draft Preview: Top 5 D-Man Targets

CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 9: Assistant coach Ryan Huska of the Calgary Flames talks with Joakim Nordstrom #20, Jacob Markstrom #25, Christopher Tanev #8, Mikael Backlund #11 and Matthew Tkachuk #19 during a time-out in an NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome on February 9, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

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The Calgary Flames have landed the No. 16 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft after their mediocre 2022-23 campaign, and while that may usually not be a pick of high quality, this is one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, with star power littered throughout the first round. The Flames have so many needs in this draft, with a prospect group that needs much more elite talent, but there’s no more pressing need than an elite defensive prospect, so if that’s the way they look to go at No. 16 overall, who should Flames fans be keeping an eye on?

While the team are highly unlikely to see one of the very top defenceman fall to them, this is a deep group, and the following are five realistic targets on the blue line for Calgary to target come July 1.

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