Flames add four CHL products in nine-player draft as league reaches 106 selections

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames continued to strengthen their prospect pipeline at the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting nine players over seven rounds, including four developed in the Canadian Hockey League as the CHL recorded its highest draft total in 16 years.



Calgary opened the draft by selecting Prince George Cougars defenceman Carson Carels with the sixth overall pick before adding centre Jack Hextall at No. 30 to close out the opening round. The Flames followed with second-round selections Chase Harrington, Tobias Trejbal and Alan Shaikhlislamov before drafting Joe Iginla in the third round, Egor Barabanov in the fourth, Simon Katolicky in the fifth and Bode Laylin in the sixth.



Four members of Calgary's draft class — Carels, Harrington, Iginla and Barabanov — spent last season in the CHL, while the remaining selections came from the United States Hockey League, Russia and Europe.



The draft marked another milestone for the CHL, which produced a draft-leading 106 selections across the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. It was the league's highest total since 2010 and the first time it surpassed the 100-player mark since 2013.



One of Calgary's most compelling selections came in the third round when the Flames drafted Vancouver Giants winger Joe Iginla, the son of franchise legend Jarome Iginla.



Following the draft, Flames general manager Craig Conroy said the organization believes Iginla is a late bloomer after playing through broken ribs last season, something the club feels contributed to a dip in his offensive production. Conroy said the Flames expect him to continue progressing and pointed to his determination and work ethic as reasons the organization was confident making the selection.



Conroy also revealed Jarome Iginla removed himself from every discussion involving his son before the draft to avoid any conflict of interest. He emphasized Joe earned his place on Calgary's draft board through his own play and potential rather than his family name.



The draft also showcased Alberta's continued role in developing NHL talent. Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna became the first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Tigers led all CHL clubs with five players selected. Calgary Hitmen defenceman Ben MacBeath was drafted 64th overall by the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman Ethan MacKenzie went 69th overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Oil Kings goaltender Parker Snell was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fifth round and defenceman Noa Ta'amu was taken by the Winnipeg Jets in the seventh. Red Deer Rebels forward Beckett Hamilton also heard his name called, going to the Colorado Avalanche in the third round.



Asked where the Flames expect future offensive production to come from, Conroy pointed to the organization's prospect pool. He mentioned Matvei Gridin and Matt Coronato before also highlighting Cole Reschny, Cullen Potter and Ethan Wyttenbach as younger players he expects to continue developing.



As NHL free agency approaches Wednesday, Conroy suggested Calgary is unlikely to be among the busiest teams.



“You might be able to take the day off," Conroy joked with reporters before adding, "I don't know how many guys will be available to us that are a fit for what we are looking for."



While Calgary added talent from multiple development leagues, the weekend also underscored the CHL's continued importance as hockey's leading pipeline to the NHL, producing a draft-best 106 selections and its strongest showing in more than a decade.