The Calgary Flames are well in the middle of a rebuild, and after three straight fantastic drafts from General Manager Craig Conroy and the scouting department, things are clearly headed in the right direction.
While the team didn't land a top-three pick in this draft, they have the No. 6 overall pick to go along with another four, potentially five picks in the first round over the next two drafts beyond 2026. In 2026 however, they've not only got No. 6, but they also have a second first-round pick courtesy of the Noah Hanifin trade from the 2024 deadline.
In polarizing thoughts, the Flames are both cheering for Vegas (as their 2028 second-round pick transfers to a first if they win the Stanley Cup), but also cheering against them, as that would mean their pick would fall lower in the 2026 draft.
ANOTHER SHOWTIME ON THE STRIP!!! 🤩
— NHL (@NHL) May 27, 2026
The @GoldenKnights are heading to the #StanleyCup Final!
Presented by @NavyFederal pic.twitter.com/tQYfAv7iiW
As a result of Vegas finishing off their sweep of Colorado to book their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals, we are down to two final possibilities for the Flames first-round pick this year, with the team set to pick either 30 or 31, with the 32nd pick claimed by Ottawa following the NHL's sanctions.
The placement of 10 of the #Flames' 11 (!) picks in the 2026 NHL Draft are now set. pic.twitter.com/VyBP2ml0EY
— Ryan Pike (@RyanNPike) May 27, 2026
Ultimately, it's not quite the early 20's pick that some hoped for after Vegas' struggles throughout the season, but with the Flames getting this asset in return for Noah Hanifin, another shot at a good prospect is what this team needs, no matter where they end up picking on June 26th.
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