FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: Which right-wingers could Calgary target in 2025 NHL Draft?
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There has been so much focus on centre ice that it's easy to forget that the Calgary Flames are thin on right wing, too.
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When the name-calling commences at the 2025 NHL Draft, the Flames will be determined to address both. Pivot prospects should be the priority with one or even both of their first-round picks, but could they target a future flank with the No. 54 overall selection?
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Measurements: 5-foot-7, 161 pounds
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The skinny: If he wasn't so small, Schmidt likely would be a shoo-in to be selected in the first round. He still could hear his name called on opening night, but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him slide and that could turn him into a potential steal. This on-the-rise righty has blazing speed and a wicked shot, two things that will appeal to the Flames. The question is: Will he be too easy to push around at the pro level? Schmidt was coached at RINK Academy in Kelowna by Jarome Iginla, so his input will be invaluable.
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Measurements: 6-foot-2, 192 pounds
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The skinny: There were a lot of smiles around Calgary when the Flames plucked Andrew Basha in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft and there undoubtedly would be a repeat if they pick another hometown hopeful in 2025. The smooth-skating Behm is an alum of Edge School and the Royals 'AAA' program. He made headlines by winning a national golf long-drive title last summer and scouts have been impressed with the velocity that he can fire a hockey puck, too. He is projected to be a second-rounder.
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Measurements: 5-foot-10, 166 pounds
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The skinny: The World Under-18 Championship is one of the most important scouting showcases of the season and Ekberg certainly didn't waste his opportunity to make a positive impression. He won the tournament scoring title — and nabbed MVP honours, too — with 10 goals and 18 points in seven outings for Team Sweden. The Flames have had past success with mid-round swings on undersized forwards and, because defence prospect Henry Mews played part of this season with the 67's, the decision-makers at the Saddledome should be mighty familiar with Ekberg.
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