Drafting is an art, a science, and a game of chance all rolled into one. Scouting is vital to any organization’s success, and while the first round offers up many superstars and generational talents… it’s those later-round gems that can be like found money if they hit.

Here are five standout examples of the Flames’ late-round gems in franchise history:

Sergei Makarov

Sergei Makarov was already a legend in international hockey before joining the NHL. A longtime star of the Soviet national team, Makarov was selected by Calgary in the 12th round (231st overall) of the 1983 NHL Draft, though he didn’t make the jump to North America until 1989 at age 31. That didn’t stop him from winning the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year—a rule-changing moment in league history. His playmaking, poise, and international dominance left an indelible mark on the sport.

Stat Highlights:

• Drafted: 1983, 12th round (231st overall) – Calgary Flames
• NHL Games: 424
• Goals: 134
• Assists: 250
• Points: 384
• Calder Trophy Winner (1990)
• 2x Olympic Gold Medalist (1984, 1988)
• IIHF Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)

Gary Suter

Gary Suter brought high-end offense from the blue line long before it was fashionable. The Wisconsin-born defender was selected in the 9th round (180th overall) by the Flames in the 1984 NHL Draft and made an immediate impact, winning the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1986. A key figure in Calgary’s 1989 Stanley Cup run, Suter quietly built one of the most productive careers by an American defenseman.

Stat Highlights:

• Drafted: 1984, 9th round (180th overall) – Calgary Flames
• NHL Games: 1,145
• Goals: 203
• Assists: 641
• Points: 844
• Stanley Cup Champion (1989)
• Calder Trophy Winner (1986)
• U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee

Theoren Fleury

Theoren Fleury’s game was all fire and fight. At just 5-foot-6, he played with the heart of a giant—relentless, emotional, and electrifying. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 8th round (166th overall) of the 1987 NHL Draft, Fleury quickly became one of the franchise’s all-time greats. A Stanley Cup champion in 1989 and a 50-goal scorer, he blended scoring with grit, and his fearless energy made him a beloved figure on and off the ice.

Stat Highlights:

• Drafted: 1987, 8th round (166th overall) – Calgary Flames
• NHL Games: 1,084
• Goals: 455
• Assists: 633
• Points: 1,088
• Stanley Cup Champion (1989)
• 7-time NHL All-Star
• Flames’ franchise leader in shorthanded goals (28)

Johnny Gaudreau

Johnny Gaudreau—aka “Johnny Hockey”—was the steal of the 2011 NHL Draft. Selected in the 4th round (104th overall) by the Calgary Flames, he evolved into one of the most electrifying players in the league. Known for his shifty play, pinpoint passing, and elite hockey IQ, Gaudreau was a consistent offensive threat and fan favorite before signing with Columbus in free agency in 2022.

Stat Highlights:

• Drafted: 2011, 4th round (104th overall) – Calgary Flames
• NHL Games: 763
• Goals: 243
• Assists: 500
• Points: 743
• Career High: 115 points (2021–22)
• 6-time NHL All-Star
• Lady Byng Trophy Winner (2017)

Dustin Wolf

Dustin Wolf has defied the odds at every level. Viewed as too small by many scouts, the Flames took a chance on him in the 7th round (214th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. Since then, he’s done nothing but shine—earning back-to-back AHL Goaltender of the Year awards and positioning himself as Calgary’s next great hope in net. Quick, calm, and consistent, Wolf’s future is bright.

Stat Highlights (AHL & NHL as of 2025):

• Drafted: 2019, 7th round (214th overall) – Calgary Flames
• AHL Goaltender of the Year: 2022, 2023
• AHL Record (2022–23): 42–10–2
• NHL Debut: April 12, 2023
• NHL Games: 71
• CHL Goaltender of the Year (2020)