Calgary Flames Prospect Countdown: No. 8

The Calgary Flames have had plenty of luck in the second round over the past decade, landing key players like Dillon Dube, Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington, and they will be hoping for similar success from 2021 second round pick, winger William Stromgren. The 20-year old prospect was one of the most raw talents in the draft when he landed in Calgary, and while there have been criticisms over the decision to draft him, especially given some of the names selected after the No. 45 overall pick, the Flames have seen solid improvement from him, believing he can be a solid NHL player one day.

Despite playing against grown men at the age of 20, Stromgren showed plenty of talent this past season in Sweden playing with Brynas IF Gavle in the Swedish Hockey League, as he managed 3 goals and 5 assists in 45 games. He ended the year playing 2 games with the Calgary Wranglers, and after signing his three-year entry level deal, beginning in 2023-24, he will now be with the team full time, and with so much talent around him, now is the time for him to step up and show the potential that made Calgary take him in 2021.

Standing at 6-foot-3, weighing 176 pounds, Stromgren has the size to play at the next level, and now that he’s joining the Wranglers, perhaps the production goes up against younger players, and if he can improve on his playmaking and his defensive play, he can become a key for this organization going forward with skill and fantastic skating.

Ultimately, the criticisms given the Logan Stankoven pick just two slots after Stromgren are likely to continue until he begins producing, but now he’s in North America and more eyes from the Flames will be on him, so expect him to play a big role with the Wranglers as they look for him to make a leap going forward.