Flame for Thought
Fansided

2023 Calgary Flames Draft Preview: Top 5 Winger Targets

By Nathan Smith

May 26, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) and teammates react to the loss to the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) and teammates react to the loss to the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

The Calgary Flames made a big move on Tuesday afternoon to land 25-year old winger Yegor Sharangovich for veteran Tyler Toffoli, but with more moves to be made as we move towards the 2023 NHL Draft later today, they could be looking to add another top winger.

While Calgary only possess the No. 16 pick (as of right now), there’s plenty of depth at the position, and if things fall the way they want, they could have their choice of top wingers to build depth back into this organization. If the Flames do go with a winger then, what are their options? Today, we are going to take a look at five wingers the Flames could have their eyes on in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Andrew Cristall

There are many intriguing prospects in the upcoming draft that could land in the top-15 or out of the first round entirely, and one that comes to mind is Kelowna Rockets standout Andrew Cristall, who may be overlooked for his stature as he stands just 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. Unsurprisingly, he overcomes this lack of size with elite skill and talent, and while he may not be the quickest, his fast hands, great skating and elite playmaking more than make up for it.

Like most offensive prospects in this draft, his defensive game could use work, but he’s become renowned for hustling each and every second he’s on the ice, something that gained his team plenty of loose pucks and impressive plays over the past few years, and if he can be developed patiently, he could no doubt be an impact, top-six forward down the line for Calgary.

2022-23 WHL stats: 54 games, 39 goals, 56 assists, 95 points. 

Home/Analysis