I can't help but agree with the other poster that said Calgary's competitive window is likely 2030 or beyond.
If so, the 2026 pick will come in handy.
If it's a high pic, and the player is ready to crack the line up in 2026/27, they'll be up for resigning after the 28/29 season when the Kadri money is available.
If it's a late pic, and the player takes a season or two to mature before cracking the line up, they'll be up for resigning after the 30/31 season when the Huberdeau money is available.
As a bonus, in the off chance Calgary is competitive in 3 years, we'll need the 2026 first rounder on an ELC to help overcome those previously mentioned contracts.
This is going to be a long and bumpy road before the Flames ice anything close to competitive again.
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