The Calgary Flames are entering a pivotal era in franchise history, and the next three NHL Drafts could ultimately determine the trajectory of the organization for the next decade. After several trades and strategic moves over the past year, the Flames now hold 14 picks in the first two rounds across the next three drafts, giving general manager Craig Conroy an opportunity few rebuilding teams ever get.
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It’s the kind of draft capital that allows a team to reshape its identity. If the Flames execute properly, the organization could emerge from its current rebuild with a deep, talented young core ready to compete again in the Western Conference.
But with that opportunity comes enormous pressure.
Draft Capital Gives Flames Rare Opportunity
Calgary’s collection of early-round picks stems from several recent trades, including deals involving players like Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri. Those transactions added valuable draft assets, particularly from teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.
The chances of getting impact players in the NHL are usually higher in the early rounds. With multiple chances to pick a player in a year, Calgary is increasing its chances of getting stars, top-four defencemen, and impact forwards to build a franchise around.
They are also giving Conroy a chance to be flexible. If they find a top prospect that they think is a franchise player, they can try to move up to get that player. If they don’t find a top prospect, they can try to accumulate a number of young NHL players to build a team around.
Chance to Draft Franchise-Altering Talent
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the rebuild process for the Flames is the potential to acquire a top-three selection in the upcoming draft.
Typically, the Flames have not had the opportunity to select a player with the top selection in the draft. While some teams that are undergoing rebuilds have had multiple top-three picks over the course of several drafts, the Flames tend to be a middle-of-the-pack team, good enough to make the playoffs but not good enough to win the Cup.
Of course, that is all changing. In their commitment to rebuild the team and acquire young talent, the Flames are, for the first time potentially, able to select near the very top of the upcoming NHL Draft. These picks can be game-changers for teams.
Some of the best players in the NHL today, such as Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, and Jack Hughes, were all selected within the top three. These players are expected to be franchise players who can help carry teams to multiple Stanley Cup victories. If Calgary finds itself in that position, the organization cannot afford to miss.
The Importance of Drafting Well
Having 14 picks in those first two rounds is impressive, but as we know, it’s not just about the draft picks. What is important is how teams utilize those draft picks.
There are many teams in the NHL who have had an abundance of draft picks in those first two rounds over the years as they have attempted to rebuild their teams, only to see them fall flat as they have failed to scout and develop those young players. For Calgary, it will be interesting to see how their scouting team does as they attempt to find those young players who have elite skill, high hockey IQ, and are able to adapt to the new style of hockey.
But it’s not just about scouting. Development is just as important as scouting and finding those young, elite talents. Many teams have shown us just how important it is to have those young players develop properly as they move from junior hockey into the American Hockey League (AHL), and eventually into the NHL. For Calgary, it will be interesting to see just how patient they are as they attempt to develop those young players.
Balancing Youth With Veteran Leadership
However, while the rebuild is focused on bringing in young, talented players, it is also important to ensure that there is a mix of veteran players on the team.
Young players entering the league are greatly assisted when there are experienced players on the roster who know what it takes to succeed in the league. Experienced players are also important in that they help young players navigate the challenges of playing 82 games in a row while also instilling a competitive spirit in the team.
Conroy seems to know this. Rather than completely dismantling the roster and starting from scratch, Calgary has managed to hold on to a number of experienced players who are able to provide stability as the team rebuilds and introduces young players to the league. Experienced players are those who are known to provide professionalism and accountability in a team.
New Arena Signals New Era
Outside of the roster and draft approach, another event which could have an impact on the future of the franchise is the building of Calgary’s new downtown arena. While it is easy to view a new arena as simply a new building, it represents much more than this to the franchise and city. For the players, it represents better training and day-to-day life within the franchise. For the fans, it represents excitement and helps to build on the bond between them and their team.
The timing of this project is perfect as it lines up with Calgary’s rebuild. While they are building their new crop of young talent over the next few years, they are also building a new arena, which will have an enormous impact on morale throughout the city and franchise.
For a franchise looking to build into a new future, this is huge.
A Defining Stretch for the Flames
At the end of it all, it is possible that the next three NHL Drafts determine what the Flames are in a few years’ time. With 14 picks in the first two rounds of the draft, this is a chance unlike any other to completely rebuild and construct a team that can contend long into the future. And with a chance to pick in the top three, it is a moment that is not to be missed.
But it is not a guarantee of success. If the Flames are able to draft well and develop their prospects properly, and provide them with the right veteran presence, then it is possible that this rebuild could lead to a team that is stronger than ever.
With a growing number of draft picks and a brand new arena in downtown Calgary in the works, it is possible that this is a moment in the history of the franchise that is unlike any other. For the fans of the Flames, it is possible that things are finally beginning to look up.
