6. Theo Stockselius
Theo Stockselius has gone heavily under the radar in Calgary since being drafted in the second-round of the 2025 NHL Draft, but after a dominant performance at the World Juniors Summer Showcase, that's no longer the case.
Theo always had the great size at 6-foot-3, 196 pounds, but at the Summer Showcase he showed off his upside as a playmaker, and with a few impressive goals for Sweden, he showcased his full range of skills. His performances in the playoffs in Swedish Junior Hockey were impressive too, as Stockselius tallied 9 goals and 20 points in just 11 games played, with his stock continuing to rise.
Most of the attention in Calgary at the end of 2026/27 will be the arrival of our next four players, but as Theo is set to suit up in the mens league in Sweden next year, don't discount a potential arrival in 2026/27, but at the latest, we should see him in a Flames sweater by the end of 2027/28.
5. Cullen Potter
Among the four players expected to make the leap to the NHL at the end of 2026/27, Cullen Potter is often the most overlooked, but before his injury last season, he was playing at a very high level and driving player for a poor, inexperienced Arizona State team. With 12 goals and 26 points in 24 games played, he thrived despite the lack of talent around him, and given the speed and the finishing around the net, his game could translate to the NHL immediately.
For the most part, he's expected to spend at least a full season in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL, but for a few games at the end of the 2026/27 season, he should see some action alongside the next three players on our list.
While the others have a clear path to the NHL and positions to fill, the Flames have a crowded group on the wing, and unless they clear that up soon, Potter may find his opportunities blocked early, but if he continues to develop his skills and develop physically, he has all the makings of a long-term answer in the middle-six.
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