6 days ago
FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: Which right-wingers could Calgary target in 2025 NHL Draft?
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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Here are a few right-wingers who could be on their radar, whether it's in the second round or the later stages.
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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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Nathan Behm
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Hometown: Calgary
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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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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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Vaclav Nestrasil, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL — He can't quite look eye-to-eye with Adam Klapka, but Nestrasil is another towering righty from Czechia. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 187 pounds, he contributed seven goals and 13 points in the playoffs as the Lumberjacks captured the Clark Cup as USHL champions. He is headed to UMass, the same program that helped to prepare Flames prospect Aydar Suniev for the jump to pro hockey.
