Flames Seek to Move Up From No. 6 in 2026 NHL Draft

Overview

• Reporting on May 24 indicates the Flames were assigned the sixth overall pick in the 2026 draft and are actively exploring trades to move higher.
• Calgary enters negotiations with heavy draft currency, reportedly holding 11 picks in the 2026 class, including two first-round selections.
• Insiders say the Sharks, at No. 2, and the Blackhawks, at No. 4, are open to offers, with Chicago reported willing to trade the pick for an NHL-ready top-six player.
• Other clubs such as the New York Rangers are also pursuing higher slots, which could raise the price the Flames must pay to move up.
• The Flames’ stated interest reflects a trade-off between adding a single, game-changing prospect at the top of the draft and retaining multiple picks to deepen their prospect pool, with decisions likely to unfold in the weeks before June 26.