Scott Wheeler of The Athletic released his latest NHL Mock Draft, projecting the Calgary Flames to select Alberts Smits and Liam Ruck.
The Athletic's Scott Wheeler released his latest NHL Mock Draft results (subscription required), using the sixth overall pick, currently held by the Calgary Flames, to select E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence winner Alberts Smits.
The 18-year-old left-handed defenseman from Latvia is one of the top-ranked international prospects in the upcoming draft, behind Ivar Stenberg, and he could be available for General Manager Craig Conroy to pull the trigger on his selection at sixth overall.
Currently, there is chatter online that the Flames could swing a deal to trade up in the draft, potentially targeting a forward like Stenberg or taking a player like Smits at a higher spot to secure his selection.
Last year, Smits was a regular with Jukurit in Finland's Liiga, scoring six goals and 13 points in 38 games, his first full campaign of professional hockey. Previously, he skated in nine games with Jukurit in 2024-25, collecting a goal and an assist.
Smits was busy on the international scene with Latvia in 2025-26. He was an alternate captain on the country's World Juniors squad and skated at the Olympic Games and World Championships. In 17 games, he had a goal and 10 helpers.
Wheeler's other first-round pick for the Flames came at 30th overall, and he selected Liam Ruck. The 18-year-old right-handed forward from Osoyoos, BC, is one season removed from helping the Medicine Hat Tigers win the WHL Championship.
Despite only 41 points in 61 games, thanks to 25 goals and 16 assists, in 2024-25, Ruck erupted for 104 points in 68 games last year, with 45 goals and 59 helpers. Additionally, since joining Medicine Hat for the three games in the 2023-24 season, Ruck is plus-66 through 132 WHL games.
According to the 12 rankings on his Elite Prospects profile, Ruck is projected to be drafted in the bottom half of the first round.
What do you think of these latest Mock Draft selections? Who do you hope that Conroy picks with his two selections in the first round? Let us know in the comments.