No. 6 overall: Original Selection - RHD Keaton Verhoeff
On paper, Keaton Verhoeff projects to be a very good player at the NHL level, and while the Flames need high end, blue chip talent for this rebuild to be successful, RHD is the last position they should be selecting in the first round. Sure, if it's a generational type player at the position, it's a move that could work, and while Verhoeff is a lock to at least be a contributor at the NHL level, he's never going to be a top-four in Calgary with the way things are going.
Based purely on the best player available practice, Verhoeff would be a good choice, but with the Flames needing to add depth and versatility to their blossoming prospect pool, a centre or a LHD at this position would be much, much more preferable.
Revised No. 6 selection: C Viggo Bjorck
Other options: LHD Albert Smits
While Viggo Bjorck's size is going to be a major talking point in the weeks leading into the NHL Draft, he clearly overcomes that with his relentless motor and his pure talent, and after performing at a high level for Sweden at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, many believe he could have played his way into a top-five selection.
In the SHL Jr. playoffs recently, Bjorck notched 8 goals and 20 points in just 9 games played, and given the way he controls things down the middle alongside his fearless mentality, he's exactly the type of player the Flames should take a swing on. Whether or not he pans out as a 1C at the NHL level, only time will tell, but with the Flames need and their recent love of betting on talent and upside, given the way the top-five played out, Bjorck should be the pick here.
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