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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Axel Sandin-Pelikka

He may not be the top defensive prospect on the board, but Axel Sandin-Pelikka is expected to be one of the best overall players on the board in this draft, with experts predicting he could be drafted anywhere from pick No. 10 all the way down to 20, and if he’s there at No. 16, the Flames should sprint to the podium with the pick. While he stands at just 5-foot-11, ASP has become renowned for his offensive play with very few, if any mistakes throughout his career in Sweden, and if given the proper time to develop, he’s expected to be a top blue liner for years and years to come.

Across all competitions this past season in Sweden and the International game, ASP racked up 75 points in 93 games, and with his leadership and smooth offensive game, there’s no doubting that this is the pick the Flames should make at No. 16, unless we see a major fall from another top star.

2022-23 stats: 16 goals, 20 assists for 36 points in 31 games in the J20 league.

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