I don't think the Flames/Hitmen have done it, but the Oil Kings have acquired players drafted by the Oilers before (David Musil is one that comes to mind, but I think there have been others).
There really isn't much force an NHL team can exert over a non-affiliated WHL team. If a player is under 20 and not NHL ready (which I don't think Klimchuk will be next year), the NHL team really doesn't have any choice but to send him back. Feaster isn't going to hold Klimchuk hostage next year and threaten to keep him with the Flames if the Pats don't trade him to the Hitmen.
Looking back, there would have been some logic in the Flames trying to orchestrate trades for Ferland last season, or Backlund when he came over, to bring them to the Hitmen so the Flames could keep an eye on them. The fact that they didn't do that in either situation, is a good indication that it's not an organizational strategy like it is in Edmonton.
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