2. C Maddox Dagenais
More than most years, the later part of the first round in 2026 has been incredibly hard to predict, with one player in particular potentially going anywhere from 15 to 35, and that's Quebec native Maddox Dagenais. Not only is he a physically imposing presence at 6-foot-4, 196 pounds, but he's producing at a high level in the QMJHL, going for 30 goals and 62 points in 62 games this past season as a mostly 17-year-old.
The Flames already have skill down the middle, and could add more at pick No. 6, but they also need size, so what better way to add the best of both worlds than Dagenais, who profiles as a very good 2C at the highest level. Calgary would love Dagenais too, as he's got a very high competitive drive and isn't afraid to get physical in the dirty areas, and while the shot selection and picking his spots to be aggressive needs to improve, he would be a home run selection late in the first round.
1. RW Nikita Klepov
Two years ago, the Calgary Flames bet on Matvei Gridin's high-end skill late in the first round, but even when he was drafted, he had nowhere near the production Nikita Klepov pre-draft. The Saginaw Spirit winger put together an incredible 2025/26 campaign, posting 37 goals and 97 points in just 67 games played.
Klepov stands at 6-foot-0, 180 pounds, and while he could definitely use some more bulk at the NHL level, the patience, solid speed, passing ability and hockey IQ are off the charts, and if he's there at No. 30, the Flames should sprint to the podium. Sure, the team need centre's more than anything up front, but given the high-end talent in Klepov, it's all about best player available, and with his ceiling, there may not be any players with better potential available late in round one.
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