The wait is nearly over. On June 26-27, the hockey world will converge on the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. For the Calgary Flames, the event serves as a pivotal opportunity to bolster a roster that is currently in a state of transition. Armed with the sixth overall pick and a secondary selection at number 30 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/2026-nhl-draft-is-it-possible-for-calgary-to-trade-up-to-second-overall], the latter acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Noah Hanifin trade, Calgary is poised to make a significant impact. While the organization boasts a storied history of draft-day success, with alumni like Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett, or throwbacks like Theo Fleury, and Gary Roberts setting the bar, the focus now turns to who will emerge as the next cornerstone of the franchise. With this year’s draft class notably deep at the blue line, many analysts expect the Flames to lean toward a defenceman if they stick to a “best player available” [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/2026-nhl-draft-five-prospects-the-calgary-flames-should-consider-at-no-6] strategy. Bucking that trend would be a return to form for Calgary, which has selected forwards with five of their last six first-round picks. As the Flames weigh their options, here is a look at the development status of their recent first-round selections: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f1cf7bca-dad5-4a79-abcd-23263886b705.jpeg] © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images 2025 – CULLEN POTTER (F, 32ND OVERALL) Drafted out of Arizona State University (NCAA), Potter made an immediate impression. During his recent campaign, the Wisconsin native averaged over a point per game, tallying 12 goals and 14 assists, 26 points in 24 games. His efforts were recognized with a selection to the 2025 NCHC All-Rookie Team. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/545eb48d-5f50-4684-80e3-199609154d72.jpeg] © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images 2025 – COLE RESCHNY (F, 18TH OVERALL) Following a strong draft year, Reschny has continued to develop his game at the University of North Dakota. His resume includes a standout performance for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships, [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/calgary-flames-prospects-who-could-earn-nhl-ice-time-in-2026-27] where he registered 8 points in 5 games. He also maintained a near-point-per-game pace at the collegiate level, recording 35 points in 36 games last season. © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/37ae613f-3001-4996-9118-2d1c523a6cfe.jpeg] © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images 2024 – MATVEI GRIDIN (F, 28TH OVERALL) Gridin’s transition to the professional level saw him split time between the AHL Wranglers and the NHL roster. He earned a nod for the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic and made his mark with the Flames, appearing in 37 games and recording 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists). © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/270c3d18-9bda-4979-8c16-8595c24d55df.jpeg] © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images 2024 – ZAYNE PAREKH (D, 9TH OVERALL) Parekh remains one of the organization’s most intriguing defensive prospects. Unlike the "plug-and-play" trajectory seen with Tkachuk in 2016, Parekh’s path has been unique. Navigating injuries and a steep learning curve, he spent time across the NHL, AHL, and World Juniors before finding his footing in Calgary. While he struggled to find the back of the net early on, Parekh finished strong, displaying the puck-moving brilliance that defined his record-setting 96-point OHL campaign [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/zayne-parekh-the-growing-pains-and-massive-potential-of-a-flames-cornerstone]with the Saginaw Spirit. He concluded his first NHL season with nine points (4g,5a) in 37 games, showing significant potential as his ice time increased. © Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/75c263bc-d5e2-458d-a348-e991b867a3e0.jpeg] © Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images 2023 – SAMUEL HONZEK (F, 16TH OVERALL) Honzek entered the 2025-26 season with noticeable physical development, earning a spot on the roster out of camp. He quickly carved out a role as a reliable shutdown forward alongside veteran Mikael Backlund, positioning himself as a long-term heir to that defensive mantle. Although a collision with Backlund on November 15, 2025, resulted in a season-ending injury, [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/samuel-honzek-returns-to-the-practice-with-calgary-flames]Honzek’s impact in his 18-game stint was clear. Expect him to be a key player to watch as he returns to full health. © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/45431591-2b2a-4da8-88e9-d0f7e4572dc9.jpeg] © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images 2021 – MATT CORONATO (F, 13TH OVERALL) Coronato is rapidly evolving into a veteran presence for the organization. After signing a seven-year, $45.5 million extension in May 2025, he proved his worth by leading the Flames in scoring during the 2025-26 campaign, posting 45 points (18g, 27a) in 80 games. Following the season, he represented the United States at the recent 2026 World Championships [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/flames-matt-coronato-named-to-team-usa-roster-for-world-championships], elevating his status as a core member of the team’s future.
