WHL club uses first-round pick on Axel Hurtig, Calgary's seventh-round pick last week

The Calgary Flames are planning keep extremely close eyes one of this year’s draft picks after the WHL Calgary Hitmen selected defenseman Axel Hurtig in the first round of the CHL import draft.

Hurtig, a 6-foot-4, 203-pound defenseman who played for Rogle in Sweden’s junior league last season, was selected 33rd overall by the Hitmen on Wednesday.

The Flames last week drafted the 18-year-old in the seventh round, 208th overall.

Hurtig will not be in Calgary during this week's summer prospects camp as he's recovering from shoulder surgery that took place after the U-18 world championship tournament in April.

Hitmen GM Jeff Chynoweth said Hurtig's recovery will keep him on the sidelines until after the season begins, but the club expects him to join when he has recovered and, once he's up to speed, an important part of the club.

"We think we'll see him as soon as he's healthy enough. When he'll be able to play is to be determined," Chynoweth said.

Hurtig posted two goals and eight points in 34 games in the junior ranks last season. He also represented Sweden at the Under-18 world championships and World Junior-A Challenge.

Flames amateur scouting director Tod Button said after the Flames drafted the big blueliner: “He’s a bit of a project, but he’s got a great demeanor. He’s physical defenseman and really strong in his own end. Now, we’ve got to get him to branch out and add to his skillset.”