Should the Calgary Flames trade up to snag the second overall pick? It’s a bold move that definitely won’t come cheap.

Flames fans were likely hoping for better luck at the NHL Draft Lottery, but landing at sixth overall is where they currently stand.

While the sixth spot offers a solid prospect, the Flames need a franchise-altering forward to spark excitement, sell tickets, and provide hope. With a new arena on the horizon, the team needs to be competitive and exciting from day one - ownership has said as much. They need elite goal scoring, and forwards like Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg - who are slated to go in the top two picks - could potentially provide that.

The current draft order is:

With a surplus of second-rounders and two first-round picks, the Flames have the assets to move up. It might seem very unlikely for San Jose to part with the second pick, but as the saying goes, "If Gretzky can be traded, anyone can be moved." 

So, what would it cost to move into that number two slot? It would be significant.

The Sharks could identify a cornerstone defenceman at the draft, like Carson Carels, Chase Reid or Keaton Verhoeff to complement their established phenom Macklin Celebrini. Meanwhile, with Matt Sundin at the helm in Toronto, they could potentially lean toward a Swedish selection like Stenberg, which would result in McKenna sliding to number two.

If the Flames can get there, somehow, they could finally land the star player the fanbase has been clambering for.

San Jose needs defence and better goaltending after finishing last season with the third most goals against, with 290. They also need veteran leadership. This is where the Flames can build a compelling package.

To Calgary Flames:

To San Jose Sharks:

This package offers the Sharks two first-rounders, a two-time Cup winner in Coleman, and Cooley, a California native (and former Shark) who posted a .909 save percentage last season (6th highest). For the Flames, with eight picks in the first three rounds, this is the perfect time to make a franchise-altering splash.

Whether it’s to secure Stenberg or McKenna, the Flames should be aggressive. Is it a heavy price? Maybe. Is it possible, sure, although not likely. But for a chance at a superstar, it’s a gamble worth taking.

The NHL Draft is on Jun 26-27, 2026 at Keybank Center in Buffalo and Craig Conroy will undoubtedly be looking for ways to level up this roster.