The Calgary Flames have arguably their best and deepest prospect pool in recent memory, and after nine picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, this is an organization whose future is truly starting to take shape.
Last season, we saw the full-time arrival of Matvei Gridin, Hunter Brzustewicz and Zayne Parekh, and with the likes of Dustin Wolf and Matt Coronato already on the roster, this young core is starting to take shape. Next season, we're likely to see some more pieces making their way to the NHL, and as the team continue to move out veterans, the rebuild could start to show signs of life and success.
Today, we'll take a look at the Flames most intriguing prospects and young players, revealing where they will or should start the 2026/27 regular season.
LHD Axel Hurtig
Axel Hurtig was a seventh-round pick back in the 2023 NHL Draft, and while he went overlooked for his limited offensive game, he's steadily improved throughout his two seasons with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 217 pounds, it's very easy to see what Craig Conroy and the Flames saw in Hurtig, and after taking over as captain of the Hitmen, he's only solidified himself as a big, physical presence on the blue line. This past season, Hurtig posted a career high of 19 points across 64 games, and with 46 penalty minutes, he stepped up and fought for his team on several occasions, the role he will need to play in the NHL for the Flames.
Recently, Ax signed his three-year Entry Level Contract, and at 20-years of age, he won't be returning to the WHL, so he will begin the season as one of the top LHD in the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers, and given how important he is to the future of the organization, don't be shocked to see him play among the most minutes of anyone on the left.
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