The Calgary Flames will select sixth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft on June 26, after falling in the lottery. Despite the drop, general manager Craig Conroy remains optimistic about landing a franchise cornerstone. The Flames will choose the best player available among those not taken by the five teams ahead of them.
Top 10 Options for the Flames at No. 6
Here is a breakdown of 10 players the Flames are likely considering, based on scouting reports and team needs.
Option 1: Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars, WHL)
Carson Carels is a left-handed defenceman known for his all-around game. He finished fourth among WHL defencemen with 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in the 2024-25 season, despite not turning 18 until June 23. Growing up on a farm in Manitoba, he is a smooth skater with a physical edge.
Carels would complement the Flames' existing right-shot defence prospects, Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz. However, his stock has risen, and he may be taken before No. 6. The Flames' chance of drafting him is estimated at 30%.
Option 2: Alberts Smits (Munchen, DEL)
Alberts Smits is a Latvian left-shot defenceman often called the most NHL-ready prospect in the draft. He played against men in the Olympics and World Championships, recording two assists in Milano-Cortina. He also had 13 points in 38 games for Jukurit in Liiga and six points in 11 playoff games for Munchen in the DEL.
Smits could step into the NHL as early as next year, accelerating the Flames' rebuild. He would slot in alongside the team's right-shot defence prospects.
Other Notable Prospects
While Carels and Smits are top targets, the Flames may also consider forwards if top defencemen are gone. The draft order will heavily influence their decision.
According to Daniel Austin, the Flames are focused on adding a left-shot defenceman to balance their prospect pool. The team's lottery luck was poor, but the depth of this draft class offers multiple high-end options.
