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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Oliver Bonk

While it’s not always a good idea to draft someone based on their pedigree, it’s clear that Oliver Bonk, son of long-time NHLer Radek Bonk has been groomed for stardom for quite some time, and after an incredible OHL campaign last year, he is now ready to take his two-way game to the next level.

Oliver Bonk (#2023NHLDraft) wins it in the shootout for the London Knights with this beautiful backhand deke.

Did I mention he's a defenceman? pic.twitter.com/cGaQNY2ME4
— Hadi Kalakeche (@HadiK_Scouting) March 3, 2023

Standing at 6-foot-1, 176 pounds, Bonk has the size, speed and talent to be a star at the NHL level, and at 18-years of age, he’s going to get better and better as time goes on, and while there are other defenceman that could be seen as a higher ceiling, there’s very few that have the floor that Bonk does. His size won’t intimidate anyone in the NHL, but he uses every inch of his body to play a physical game, and with plenty of potential as a playmaker, especially in the transition game, the Flames could do a lot worse.

2022-23 stats: 10 goals, 30 assists for 40 points in 67 games for the London Knights of the OHL.

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