The Calgary Flames now know the exact position of every pick they hold in the 2026 NHL Draft, following the Vegas Golden Knights' loss in the Stanley Cup Final. The Flames will go to the podium eight times within the first 68 selections on June 26 and 27, offering a potential transformative day for the franchise and a chance to accelerate their rebuild.
Round 1 – No. 6 Overall
Despite an unfavorable draft lottery result, the Flames will secure an exciting prospect with the sixth overall pick. General Manager Craig Conroy has emphasized selecting the best player available regardless of position. The depth of talent and the Flames' history at No. 6 suggest they will land a high-caliber player.
Potential Targets: Defense Carson Carels (Prince George), Defense Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota), Center Viggo Bjorck (Djurgardens), Defense Alberts Smits (Munich).
Flames History at No. 6: The Flames have excelled when picking sixth overall, selecting Matthew Tkachuk in 2016 and Sean Monahan in 2013, both becoming legitimate stars. Earlier picks include Rico Fata (1998), Daniel Tkaczuk (1997), and Cory Stillman (1992).
Round 1 – No. 30 Overall
Later first-round picks carry risk, but significant talent is expected to be available when the Flames make their second first-round selection. This pick is the first of three the Flames hold in quick succession, offering potential to add serious prospect depth. Recent history shows the Flames prioritize high-ceiling players late in the first round and early in the second.
Potential Targets: Center Tomas Chrenko (HK Nitra), Center Maddox Dagenais (Quebec), Center Jack Hextall (Michigan State).
Flames History at No. 30: The Flames have drafted 30th overall only once, selecting Chris O'Sullivan in 1992. Recent late first-round picks include Matvei Gridin at No. 28 in 2024, who projects as a future star, and Cullen Potter at No. 32 in 2025, one of the more intriguing prospects in the pipeline.
Round 2 – Nos. 35, 36, 51, and 55 Overall
The 36th overall pick is the Flames' own, while the three other second-round selections were acquired in the trade that sent MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth. Speculation abounds that the Flames might package some of these picks to move up in the first round or acquire a ready-now player, but no decisions have been made. Keeping the picks would inject four more prospects into the system, providing real depth and talent.
