Hitmen captain and seventh-round gem Axel Hurtig signs a three-year ELC with the Flames amidst a dominant WHL playoff run.
The Calgary Flames officially signed Calgary Hitmen captain Axel Hurtig to a three-year, entry-level contract on Wednesday.
The deal, which begins with the 2026–27 season, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $990,000.
Originally selected by Calgary in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. In 64 regular-season games, he recorded a career-high 19 points (6G, 13A) and led the team with a +21 rating.
Earlier this season, Hurtig was named the first European captain in the 31-year history of the Hitmen.
At 6-foot-5 and 216 lbs, Hurtig is a prototype defensive defenseman who uses his massive reach and physical edge to shut down opponents. He isn't afraid to mix it up, recording eight five-minute major penalties this season and 46 penalty minutes.
Hurtig represented Sweden at the 2025 World Junior Championships, playing a top-four role and helping the team to a fourth-place finish.
Hurtig is expected to join the AHL's Calgary Wranglers or fight for an NHL spot at training camp next fall, adding significant depth to the Flames left-defense corp
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