The 2026 NHL Draft is now just a matter of four days away, and with the No. 6 overall pick, their highest since drafting Matthew Tkachuk back in 2016, the Calgary Flames could land a franchise changing player.
Over the past few weeks, given all of the mock drafts and insights from NHL Insiders, the Flames potential targets at that position have been narrowed down, with many expecting them to choose from either Keaton Verhoeff or Viggo Bjorck. Either would be fantastic picks for the Flames, and given their upside, if they can get close to their potential in the NHL, they could be considered franchise altering players for the Flames.
However, there's always a surprise or two on draft night, and this year, reporter David Pagnotta may have predicted a massive shock.
Seattle & Florida aren't done after today's trade. More in my latest piece, as Schwartz, Tolvanen, are set to hit the UFA market, plus:
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 21, 2026
- Changes in Cbus, Marchment also to market
- Murphy, Oilers
- Perfetti, Jets
- Doughty
- Leafs, Habs, Preds, Utah, ++ https://t.co/0o8B9RmVJu
While Caleb Malhotra has long been expected to be drafted by the Vancouver Canucks at No. 3 overall, that may no longer be the case, as Pagnotta recently reported that he no longer expects Malhotra to be drafted by the team his father is now the Head Coach of.
"I’m not expecting the Vancouver Canucks to select Caleb Malhotra with the third-overall selection, if he’s available."David Pagnotta
Of course, this doesn't confirm anything about the Canucks, but where there's smoke, there is often fire, and if Vancouver do pass on Malhotra, who is considered the top centre prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft, there's a chance he could fall to No. 6 overall. After 3 comes the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers, both of whom could be interested in Malhotra, but with the way things sometimes play out, this could be good news for the Flames.
Over the past few months, Malhotra has sky rocketed up draft boards following an OHL Playoffs run that saw him post 13 goals and 26 points in 15 games played, and given his size at 6-foot-2, 182 pounds combined with his hockey IQ and skillset, it's easy to see why. Ultimately, there's still a very small chance that Malhotra makes it all the way to No. 6 for the Flames, but with this speculation from Pagnotta, it's something to consider ahead of the first-round on Friday.
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