2. Cullen Potter (2025, No. 32 overall)
Last year, the Calgary Flames tried to move up in the first-round to land Arizona State's Cullen Potter, but instead, he fell to them all the way at No. 32 overall, with the team believing in his speed and high-level potential. While his pre-draft production at ASU was limited, Potter flashed immense potential for the Sun Devils, and in 2025/26, he took it to another level, posting 12 goals and 26 points in just 24 games.
Unfortunately, he went down with an injury that cost him his season, and while there's question marks over his size at 5-foot-10, the combination of speed and a very impressive shot make him a major prospect to watch in Calgary. This fall, he's headed to Michigan State to take a step up in competition, and if he can take a step forward, he'll likely play a huge role in the Flames future, whether he remains a centre or makes the expected move to the wing.
Grade: B
1. Cole Reschny (2025, No. 18 overall)
Cole Reschny was the Flames top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and while it's been just 12 months since he was selected, he's already showing significant potential as a top centre in Calgary for years to come. During his freshman campaign at North Dakota, Reschny had 6 goals and 35 points in 36 games played, and after starring for Team Canada with 4 goals in 7 points at the World Juniors, he's made himself one of the top prospects in the NHL.
Standing at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Reschny has the physicality to be a true two-way centre in the NHL, and while the offensive upside isn't one of a 1C at the NHL level thus far, with his development, he could genuinely be a star in Calgary. It's expected that Reschny could make his NHL debut following the NCAA season in 2026/27, but with solid size, a responsible, two-way game and the potential to step up as a top-six centre for the Flames, it's hard to argue with the Flames pick given who else was available at No. 18 overall.
Grade: A
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