2026 NHL Draft Thread

[Calgary4LIfe]

I have had my opinion swayed back and forth on picking defencemen early in the draft. In the past, there were lots of disappointing defencemen drafted early (even discounting the much maligned - and rightfully so - Cam Barker). Lots of top-end defencemen on the scoring lists who were picked outside of the 1st round. On the Flames you had an undrafted Giordano and Brodie as a 4th round pick, and together they dramatically tilted the ice. I think there was a very good argument to be had for using your first round picks on forwards (especially centers obviously), and using a bit of a scatter-gun approach on defence, and picking your goalies a little later (2nd round at the earliest).


However, take a look at the scoring race for defencemen. All are 1st round (and often top 10 picks), except: #3 Hutson (#62), #6 Darren Raddysh (undrafted), #14 Josi (#38), #17 Gostisbehere (#78), #20 Faber (#45).


Scoring metrics aren't everything, but I think there is a very high correlation with picking defencemen high and having #1 defencemen. Calgary doesn't take defencemen in the 1st round very often. Parekh at 9 in 2024, Valimaki at 16 in 2017, Erixon at 23 in 2009, Phaneuf at 9 in 2003, Morris at 16 in 1996, Gauthier at 20 in 1995. So in the last 30 drafts, the Flames have selected 6 defencemen in the first round.


How many #1 defencemen have Calgary had in the last 30 years? Depends on how you view a guy like Regehr, I guess. I like him as an 'elite #2", as I think a true #1 guy has to be offensive (and you want him to be stable defensively too). So who do we have? Phaneuf was on track in a way I guess? Bouwmeester wasn't that under Brent Sutter, but I would argue in the small sample size with Hartley, he was that. Giordano was for sure. You can argue Hanifin was, but I think he is more of a minute-munching #2 guy. I don't think Weegar or Andersson are/were.


The only young player with a shot of being a #1 in the pipeline right now is Parekh. I would give Mews a chance of being included in that level as well. I see an organizational 'hole' so to speak when it comes to drafting #1 centers and #1 defencemen. I think this hole has been a product of not drafting high enough - that's where you normally see these two high-value positions being drafted in. However, there has barely been any defencemen taken at all in the first round. Funny enough, Calgary has always had a fairly good to elite defensive core overall from #1-6 somehow. Maybe they don't have that #1 guy, but they usually have very solid defencemen. I think if it wasn't for Brent Sutter making the team play against their own strengths, the Flames may have likely had 3 defencemen at the Olympics that year - Regehr, Bouwmeester and Phaneuf.


So while Carels, Reid, Smits or Rudolph may not be the 'sexy' pick, I still think that - depending on where they end up drafting - it may prove to be a better pick than one of the Cs available. I trust the Flames to go by BPA (and again, I can't believe I have to clarify this - BPA is according to the Flames' OWN ranked list, not Bob McKenzie's, or Pronman's, or any other list for public consumption). If there is a tie (or at least if it is very close) then pick the higher value position (C > D > F > G(to a point)).


I don't even see the RD being 'solidified' at all. I think Parekh will end up being a #1 defencemen once he develops more, but who is after him? Brzustewicz has been doing well, but he may settle as just a competent #4 guy. Mews was tracking well, but it is a huge leap to pencil him as a bona fide top 4 guy. Poirier got 41 points in 69 games in his first season in the AHL - Brzustewicz only hit 32 in 70. Poirier just started regressing, and perhaps injuries could explain it all away, but he regressed to the point of being traded out for another 'change of scenery' prospect.


I am not down on any prospect at the moment, but the point I am making here is that if the Flames draft Verhoeff, there would be many people down on it because he is a D, and he is 'another RD when Calgary is stacked".


I don't think Weegar is a Flames in 3 years. I think he gets moved. Whitecloud I bet gets moved this season (75% guess), and if not, then next season (100% gone in 2 seasons). Weegar will probably get moved in 3 seasons, when his complete NMC turns into a 10 team no trade. While Parekh - Brzustewicz - Mews looks ELITE on paper, we have seen how quickly things can change. At any rate, defencemen always get traded for a premium anyway, so if you have the good fortune of having too many, it is incredibly easy to make room.


I will agree that it is a bit harder to project defencemen than it is to project forwards, but Calgary has a great tack record in developing them, Huska has a great track record in developing them too. My list goes McKenna-Stenberg-Verhoeff as 1,2,3, and then it gets fuzzy now. Lawrence has dropped from 4 for me, while Malhotra is climbing. I think I have Reid next at 4, then Malhotra at 5, Carels at 6, Smits at 7, then maybe Lawrence here? Then Rudolph? Lin? Bjorck? I still like Belchetz in this general area as well. It is tight, at least from my perspective. I also want a #1 center, but that may not be available this draft at all, regardless of where the Flames pick. I think #1 Franchise wingers are in this draft, and I think there is a #1 Franchise-level defencemen, and then a handful of defencemen that could be #1 defencemen at the NHL level. It is the 'could be' part that makes me wonder about the order. Regardless, BPA until there is a tie (or close enough), then go for positional value, then organizational weakness.


I wonder if drafting defencemen high will be more common under Conroy? I do think Treliving preferred to draft them later. Will be curious to see if the Flames draft more defencemen in the 1st round than they have been averaging.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Or they could simply take Verhoeff with the pick if he's the top guy left on their board. I realize that it's not the biggest need and maybe not a sexy pick to Flames fans but if he projects to be a top 2 defender he's going to be valuable in a rebuild. I imagine they are going to be picking pretty early in 2027 which looks like a better draft that may be better to address the center position.

Agreed. If the scouting department sees a first pairing or better guy grab him whoever it is as long as that projects higher than the centers. This draft isnt top heavy for centers but their are quite a few littered through the bottom if the first to the bottom of the second.
Ruck-hextall-chrenko- Dagenais ( who i really like for the la pick), command, edwards to name a few.

Wouldnt be the worst strategy wise and take two center with the other picks.

My issue is is what does our scouting think of Bjork and how does he stack against some of the defenders? If we are at four or five i would be comfortable taking him but flames scouting may think very different.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Calgary Highlander

Given that Coleman is likely to return a 1st round pick, would fans rather get the 1st rounder this year or next year (given the Flames already have multiple 1sts in both drafts?)

I like the earlier return of a 2026 pick, but there's always the fun factor of a late 1st becoming a much earlier 1st when a contender falls flat on their face the next season (see Toronto Maple Leafs).

This is a bit of a tough call. This years draft is average but i find a draft is predominantly settled on what happens in the top twenty and more so the top five.

I personally like a lot if the guys well into the second round with a bunch of intriguing project guys into the third.

Next years draft looks like it may be a gooder but again i see it based more on whats at the top but seems to be some hype on it. Myself i would try and get one first next year and the rest this year whatever the round.

Use the excess of picks to target the guys you really like this year. It gives them extra time before the new building opens to develop to generate excitement.
Or you could target a guy whos falling like Roobroek lets say and then if he busts it isn’t devastating. If those trades arent there make the picks and see if you have another gem.

My two cents obviously.
Conversely if you nab lots of prospects they might also be used to target a center.

[Sandman]

When I look at our pipeline for D, I see a lot of players of a similar ilk as our best prospects. It’s not that bad, but it would be nice to have a big, physical stud in the system who could complement Parekh on a top-pairing one day. Verhoeff, Smits, Carels, Reid, and Rudolph fit the bill of players with size, skill, and two-way acumen. If we’re in the 3-8 range, and we most certainly will be, a defenseman will surely be the BPA.

[Sandman]

Of the above list, only Carels and Smits are lefties, so I guess they are the ones to pair with Parekh….

[prizefighterinferno]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Of the above list, only Carels and Smits are lefties, so I guess they are the ones to pair with Parekh….

I've come around on Carels as a top 5/6 pick. High floor player but wasn't sure he was showing enough offensively to be the best choice for such a high pick. His play since the WJs says otherwise IMO. Has taken his game to another level. Would be thrilled to put him next to Parekh for the next 15 years.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.19th: Jason Clarke, the Head Coach of the QMJHL's Cape Breton Eagles, preaches high standards in work-ethic, team structure, and defensive reliability; his philosophy is reflected in the Eagles' place in the league's standings- they are 8th out of 18 teams, but are also 15th in goals-for, with 151 in 53 games. Their second-leading scorer is a player I like in "C"-rated RHC Romain L'Italien, who has looked like a superstar at times- in a span of 14 games stretching between the beginning of November to the end of December, he posted 24 points. Currently, he sits at 17 goals and 46 points in 49 games, which is 38th in the Q, and quite impressive when considering the defensive structure he plays under. The Eagles took him with the 4th-overall pick in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, but Central Scouting has him as #122 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

It's no wonder that L'Italien was chosen early in the draft by the Eagles, as he looks like a stud with his large frame, his powerful skating stride, and his tight 200-ft game. L'Italien is 6'1",187lbs, and while perhaps not elite in the speed department, he is highly mobile, with a projectable stride that looks smooth mechanically, and generates good power and quickness. His edges are strong as well, helping him to make quick cuts to change direction rapidly, and to spin off of checks, while giving him agility and maneuverability in traffic. He can separate from checkers at top-speed, and make defenders scramble when flying up the middle, which helps him drive play through transition. L'Italien handles well too, with exemplary protection skills to slash through coverage, but he also manipulates defenders with a wide array of feints, fakes, look-offs, and one-on-one moves to sell them on going in the wrong direction. He can handle around sticks, and can pull off some flashy dekes and dangles while on-the-go, but also throws opponents off with cut-backs and delays to either draw pressure, or wait for the rest of the troops to enter the zone. He's not all flash and dash though, as he is a battler who can play through contact, win battles along the boards, and will take a hit to make the play. He is also not afraid to bring his physical skills to his play around the net, compete down low, and attack the crease for second-chance opportunities. While not really a shoot-first player, he is no slouch in the goal-scoring department, and owns good spatial awareness to sniff out open pockets in the slot to strike-his 17 goals are within the top-50 scorers in the Q.

L'Italien exudes high-end offensive awareness, and is a playmaker first and foremost, but he is learning how to more consistently use his passing skills and sublime vision to create high-danger opportunities more regularly in the offensive zone. Right now, he drives play for his team, and has flashes of dynamic advantage-creation and elevated creativity, but needs to make those instances more of a regular occurence. Even still, I think his numbers would be a lot higher on a different team, and I have no doubt that he'll be a star in the Q as early as next season. Like his teammates in Cape Breton, L'Italien takes care of his own-end before anything else, playing a responsible defensive game with pro-style habits, and he understands his role as a center; he takes away the middle from enemy attacks, subs in for his D when they have to leave their post, and helps out down-low, bringing his physical presence to put pressure on attackers, win possession, and separate man from puck. L'Italien is still fairly young, with an April 7th birthday, but still sometimes wears an "A" for the Eagles, showing that his leadership skills have been acknowledged by the coaching staff. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round, and that's because the Q is thought of as a lesser league by scouts, in my opinion.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.20th: LW Noel Pakarinen (6'2",198lbs) was left off of Finland's entries in the U-18's, as well as the Hlinka, and he was rated a "C" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, but he is the second-leading scorer for Kiekko-Espoo of the U20, with 30 points in 30 games- he was even named September's "U20 SM-sarja Young Player of the Month". His production ranks 28th in the league, and he has also seen spot duty in the Liiga (1 assist in 9 games), and the U-18 Five Nations in December (4 points in 4 games). Kiekko-Espoo are 5th in the U20, and have a bevy of talent to work with, meaning that Pakarainen often plays middle-six minutes for them. Quite young by Draft-standards, with a July 9th birthday, he was ranked #32 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Though his defensive engagement has been criticized in the past, he has obviously been working on his two-way play, and the fact that his +19 ranks 10th-overall in the U20 is evidence of that. Pakarinen is a big, rugged power-forward who plays a very simple north-south game, and does most of his damage through his tunnel-vision to the net; he has an excellent shot that can beat goalies from distance, and provides teammates with second-chance opportunities aplenty, because of his high shot-volume. Pakarinen isn't much of a play-driver, but more of an off-puck opportunist who finds open pockets of space in high-danger to make himself available for the pass. He will also drop a shoulder and bull his way to the net, or park himself in-front to set the screen and capitalize on tips and rebounds. He works the boards, plays a physical game with a pronounced edge, and wins battles in the greasy areas. While he handles fine, his skating looks to be around average in the men's leagues, and he defers to teammates to do most of the carrying in transition- he is not much of a contributor in this area. His stride is mechanically sound and projectable, but he needs to build more strength in his lower-body in order to gain more power and explosiveness. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.20th: The Gatineau Olympiques are currently 16th in the QMJHL, and second-last in goals-for with a paltry 120 tallies in 52 games to their credit. Monster LD Michel Myloserdnyy (yes, I spelled that right) has only contributed 6 points in 48 games to their cause (with 82 PIM), but his specialty right now is playing a suffocating shut-down game, while wielding his enormous range (he's 6'7",225lbs) and intimidating physicality. He times his stick-checks extremely well to lure attackers in, then pokes or sweeps the puck off of their sticks- it is very hard to get past him. Myloserdnyy has a bit of a mean streak, will drop the gloves when needed, defends the net-front with vigor, and when he pins an opponent to the wall- they simply aren't going anywhere. He needs work on his robotic stride and his overall mobility, but I think he moves fairly well for a player his size- mostly because his legs are so long. He takes up so much room though, that he hardly even needs quicker feet. While he hasn't put up a ton of points, it's not for a lack of trying, as he is active in the offensive end of the ice, pinches in to the play with regularity, and is blessed with a cannon of a shot- scouts seem to like his hockey sense- particularly in defensive situations. Myloserdnyy uses his extra-long stick and his wide reach very well, but needs plenty of work on his puck-skill, due to his stiff handling, and clumsy pass-receptions, but also because his deficiencies in this area prevent him from taking steps in his playmaking ability. Look for him in the later-rounds.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Put me on the list for Carels. Love his game.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.20th: The Tri-City Americans are currently sitting in 14th-place, out of 23 teams in the WHL, which is virtually the same spot they left off in the 2024-25 season. They were 14th in scoring last season, but they have tumbled down to 20th in that stat this year, with only 154 tallies in 53 contests. Their 4th-leading scorer is Calgary-born RW Cruz Pavao (5'11",196lbs), who has managed to post 15 goals and 33 points in 49 tilts (35 PIM)- I would've expected a bit more offense from him, considering that he was able to post 25 points in 63 games last year in a lesser role. Those totals prorate to 20 goals and 44 points in 64 games. In an 11-game stretch spanning from January 7th to February 6th, Pavao looked like he was finally breaking out, piling up 16 points- but he has followed that up with a 4-game pointless streak. Central Scouting ranks him as #209 for North American Skaters on their Mid-Term List, even though he is one of the youngest players available in his draft-class, born on August 24th, 2008. Pavao was selected by the Amerks in the first-round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, at 13th-overall, after a successful stint at the Edge School- even being named the CSSHL U15 AAA Most Valuable Player in the 2021-22 season.

Pavao is a very likeable player, displaying a high-pace, high-motor approach, bringing energy and rambunctious physicality to his team. While he lacks ideal size, he is tenacious and competitive in battles, a pesky, disruptive force on the forecheck, and a dogged puck-hound through all 200-feet of ice; he works to separate man from puck, disrupt plays, pick-off passes, create turnovers, and rack up steals in all three zones, with impeccable attention to detail. Pavao is built like a fire-hydrant at 194lbs, and has a lower center of gravity, which helps him to power through checks with uncanny strength on the puck. He is a regular visitor to the front of the net off-puck, timing his forays to coincide with shots on goal, and protects the puck like a 6'3" power-forward when navigating through traffic, and cutting to the inside. Pavao has a peppy start-up burst, a rather explosive acceleration rate, and a top-speed that keeps defenders off-balance, with strong edges that allow him to maneuver in tight-spaces, as well as cut laterally with adroitness.

Pavao's best asset might be his hands, and NHL-caliber shot that causes problems for goalies, and creates high-danger scoring opportunities for teammates; he varies the angles of his attacks, deceives with changes of speed and direction, and can fire off a dangerous wrister while in-flight. He has to work on finishing more of his chances though, and there are games where too many of his shots are coming from the perimeter in an effort to make plays. While he's a volume-shooter, he's been steadily working on diversifying his offensive profile, but he's more "crafty" as a playmaker than "creative", and most of his best ideas seem to go unfinished by the lack of high-end talent around him; he seems more willing to attack with give-and go sequences these days, and connective passing to get the job done. Of course, he's instrumental in transition, and a responsible contributor to defense- he is used on both special teams, and in all situations. I believe his lack of production might hurt him come Draft-Day, especially with a smaller frame, and he may have to wait until the later-rounds to be selected.

[sureLoss]

https://twitter.com/user/status/2025043034006495295

https://twitter.com/user/status/2025043804332408909

[Roof-Daddy]

Anyone who's followed Gavin close enough knows he always adjusts and explodes in the second half.

[dammage79]

God I hope we win the draft lottery.

[Canada 02]

Just got another assist on a Luke Misa goal
7th point of the night

Misa, btw has 2 goals tonight

[Canada 02]

And another assist
8 pts

[Fan69]

Cant deny Mckenna is tearing it up.

[Roof-Daddy]

Was only a matter of time until he started lighting up that league too

Whoever gets 1st overall will be making a huge mistake if they pass on Gavin

[Fan69]

Sandman do you have a breakdown for Thomas Vandenberg? Six foot hundred eighty pound center. On the young side of the draft. Very good to excellent skater. Very good iq and hockey sense and plays at high pace. Has a good but not great shot and is above 50 % on face offs as a 17 year old. Big learning curve from previous year, seems to be a riser.

Really like the kid seems to be hovering from mid second to middle third in rankings.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Fan69

Sandman do you have a breakdown for Thomas Vandenberg? Six foot hundred eighty pound center. On the young side of the draft. Very good to excellent skater. Very good iq and hockey sense and plays at high pace. Has a good but not great shot and is above 50 % on face offs as a 17 year old. Big learning curve from previous year, seems to be a riser.

Really like the kid seems to be hovering from mid second to middle third in rankings.

Here's my write-up, hope you enjoy:

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.29th: The Ottawa 67's have sure bounced back- after a 2024-25 season that saw them finishing 17th-overall in the standings, they are now the 2nd-best team in the league. "B"-rated LHC Thomas Vandenberg (5'11.5",179lbs) is 5th in scoring on the team, with 17 goals and 34 points in 37 games, and is turning many scouts' heads- even getting a first-round nod in Craig Button's rankings. He certainly deserves it, as few players are as well-rounded, or play the kind of mature all-around game that he does- and he's one of the youngest players in the draft, with a September 8th birthdate. He is #25 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Vandenberg drives play offensively, while shutting down the opposing team's attack going the other way- he plays a mature style that will translate well to the NHL. While he boasts a solid and responsible game in all three zones, and sports a remarkably well-rounded skillset, his effectiveness is facilitated by his high-end speed, and his stellar handling skill that gives him full control of the puck while flying up the ice. He could stickhandle in a broom closet, and can make defenders look downright foolish with his array of one-on-one moves and deception tactics. Using an outstretched arm to fend off checkers, and angling his body away from sticks, his protection ability is exemplary, and aids him in breaking through to the middle. Though he lacks ideal size, Vandenberg can play through contact, and will dish out some hits of his own, showing a strong physical game, and a willingness to engage with bodychecks. Highly competitive, with a sky-high motor, he launches himself into puck-battles, and wins more than his fair share of 50/50 contests- he's fairly hard-nosed and gritty, but manages to keep the penalty-minutes down (he currently has only 14 PIM). While he oozes hockey sense and offensive awareness, he leans a bit towards scoring goals, with the ability to turn goalies inside-out in-tight, and a laser shot with a paralyzing release. Going the other way, Vandenberg is a detailed defensive contributor who busts his butt on the backcheck, using his mobility and awareness to be highly disruptive, while doggedly hunting down pucks. His positioning is sound, and he effectively stifles enemy incursions to the middle with well-timed stick checks- he is also 56% right now in the faceoff circle. Love this kid, but I wish his numbers were a bit higher- even still, I wouldn't hesitate to take him with a late-first, or an early-second.