4. C Adam Valentini
Given the Flames have built a good prospect group over the past three years, excitement is building, but they're still yet to graduate any top centres to the NHL, meaning that in 2026, there can never be too many centres taken for Craig Conroy. One name that is going highly underrated as a potential second-round pick is Ontario native Adam Valentini, and while he like others, needs to put on muscle, the footwork and the skill are already elite.
If the Flames draft Viggo Bjorck, they're unlikely to follow it up with another 5-foot-9 centre, but given the upside as a potential first liner in the NHL, it's potentially worth taking a risk at pick No. 36 overall. Last season at the University of Michigan, Valentini proved that he can play all three forward roles, posting 11 goals and 27 points in 40 games played, and while he's a project, the high-end skills show that he may be a risk worth taking for the Flames.
3. C Ryder Cali
While the Flames will want to take some risks at the NHL Draft, there's something to be said for playing it safe, and if that's the way to go, they couldn't go wrong with North Bay Battalion centre Ryder Cali. The offensive output this past season in the OHL was incredibly limited, but with great size at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, fantastic hands and the ability to blow past defenders, he's got a good floor at the NHL level.
There are definitely prospects with much higher ceilings, but with very few clear weaknesses, good size and the potential to be a solid two-way centre at the professional level, Cali wouldn't be the splashy move, but he would be a steady pick for Craig Conroy and co.
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