No. 132 Overall: RW/LW Simon Katolicky
When things start getting this late, teams start taking major swings on potentially incosequential players, but in Calgary since Craig Conroy took over, it's been proven that diamonds can be consistently found in the rough (see; Wyttenbach, Ethan). This year, the Flames biggest potential steal is versatile winger Simon Katolicky out of Czechia, who is set to join the Ontario Hockey League and the Sarnia Sting in 2026/27.
This past season, the 6-foot-5, 205 pound winger appeared in 29 games for Tappara U20 in Finland, posting 6 goals and 17 points, while picking up 6 points across their 13 playoff games. The big bodied winger has a good shot and isn't afraid to go into the dirty, physical areas on the use to use his frame, and while the skating needs significant work, for a player at No. 132, he's surprisingly polished, and a big year with the Sting could result in him skyrocketing up Flames prospect boards.
Grade: B+
No. 164 Overall: RHD Bode Laylin
Last, but certainly not least is 5-foot-11 defenseman Bode Laylin out of the USHL, who improved out of sight over the past 12 months, taking his point total from 19 to 38 in 2025/26 with the Tri-City Storm. This is yet another example of Conroy dipping into the USHL after the success of Wyttenbach last year, and at No. 164 overall, Laylin is more than worthy of a player to take a big swing on.
His development is certainly going to take some time, but the next steps in his career are already planned out, as he will join the Everett Silvertips of the WHL next season before heading to the University of St. Thomas in 2027/28, and if the development goes well, he could be a very good player. If any team can get NHL games out of the No. 164 overall pick, they're doing well, and with high upside, there's no reason to doubt that this was a good swing for Conroy.
Grade: B
Overall Grade
After day one of the 2026 NHL Draft, fans were ecstatic with how the Flames draft went, as they added another elite blue liner along with a potential 2/3C of the future. However, opinions are much more mixed on day two, but the Flames were able to add several wingers, a 20-year-old centre that may be closer to competing than anyone expected coming into the draft along with a potential goaltender of the future in the NHL.
Sure, there was the feel good pick but definite reach for Joe Iginla, with the criticism being highly overblown by some, as well as the team trading up to get Trejbal, but overall, there were many more positives than negatives, and if some of these players develop the way we hope, this could be a class that gives the Flames multiple long-term NHLers (and perhaps a future captain).
Grade: A-
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