The Calgary Flames came into the off-season with some big time needs as well as eight picks in the first three rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft, with many expecting them to use those picks to fill those needs.
However, on Tuesday, they made a shock move, acquiring Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils while giving up two future first-round picks (top-10 protected, originally owned by Vegas in 2027 and Colorado in 2028), and No. 35 in the 2026 NHL Draft.
This not only has major implications for the Flames blue line moving forward, but also for their decision making at the 2026 NHL Draft, and with Nemec joining Zayne Parekh, Zach Whitecloud and Hunter Brzustewicz as players on the right side, as this likely rules them out from landing Keaton Verhoeff at No. 6. Although, it has recently been revealed by Craig Conroy that Parekh may prefer the left side, and with chatter about Whitecloud's long-term future in Calgary, a right shot defenseman may still be the play if the team believe he is best player available.
Despite this potential, with the D group and goaltending set, the objective is now clear: target the best forward available, and as long as more than one of Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff or Chase Reid are taken in front of Calgary, they'll have a shot to land either Viggo Bjorck or Caleb Malhotra. Unfortunately, of of the other big moves on Tuesday saw the Buffalo Sabres acquire the No. 4 overall pick in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, and according to reports, that may make them the favourite to land Bjorck.
On paper, this move should change things for the Flames, but given how they are still looking long-term with their plans, this is purely BPA for Craig Conroy and co. now, and while that means they'll likely lean Bjorck/Malhotra, don't be shocked to see a defenseman picked at No. 6 still.
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