Ever since the 2025/26 regular season came to an end, Calgary Flames fans have been patiently waiting for the 2026 NHL Draft, and on Friday, Flames fans will be introduced to a potential star of the future for the organization.
All that waiting has led to Friday where the Flames hold the No. 6 pick in the draft, along with 9 other picks including No. 30, 36, 51 and 55, all of which could be used in different ways. Ahead of the draft, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman hosted a pre-draft 32 Thoughts podcast, and during that, he had some interesting things to say about Calgary.
According to the NHL's premier insider, the Flames are one of two teams that have been talking trade up, linking them to a move with the Buffalo Sabres, who recently acquired the No. 4 overall pick in a trade involving Bowen Byram and the Chicago Blackhawks.
32 Thoughts Pre-Draft Podcast Extravaganza:
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 26, 2026
*News, information & analysis
*Draft co-gurus Jason Bukala & Sam Cosentino
*Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen, who is excellent
Links to your preferred platform, here: https://t.co/XaeRxfOr5n
Have an awesome weekend
If the Flames were to make this move, they would clearly be worried about the Sabres taking either Caleb Malhotra if he slips past Vancouver or Viggo Bjorck, with both currently being linked to Buffalo following the trade with Byram.
As of right now, it appears as though there's going to be some movement at the top of the 2026 NHL Draft, and whether that's with the Sharks, Sabres or even Rangers, no one quite knows for now, but with the Flames holding the No. 6 pick, don't be shocked to see the team potentially make a move as they aim to land a future franchise cornerstone.
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