I think part of a rebuild you look at a three or four year span of picks to infuse young talent. To me that starts it with 2024. That is where they added an additional pick in the first 3 rounds. Last year they only added one, but it was a first round pick and really a pick from Vegas was moved to this year. So in the next draft they currently have an extra 1st and 3rd. What I think the proof will be in the pudding with 2026. Not only is it how many picks do they add, but where their pick lands.
If in July 2026 we are looking back and can say we drafted 18-20 times (we are currently sitting at 15 without trading the big 3) in the first 3 rounds over the last 3 years, then I think there is no question we are adding talent to the pool. The asterisk will always be where do the Flames draft with their pick.
SJ from four drafts 22-25 will have had 18 picks. They are also sitting on 4 picks in the first 2 rounds in 2026.
In the same time period the Blackhawks had 24 pick in the top 3 rounds. They are sitting on 5 picks in the top 3 rounds in 2026.
Flames I think will be in that ballpark depending on how drafts 26 and 27 pan out.
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