The opening round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft is complete, and the Calgary Flames came away with two prospects who fit the identity the organization continues to build under general manager Craig Conroy.
Holding the sixth and 30th overall selections, Calgary strengthened both its blue line and its depth down the middle by selecting defenceman Carson Carels and centre Jack Hextall. While the two players bring different styles to the table, both are known for their competitiveness, character and strong work ethic, qualities the Flames have consistently prioritized.
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With the sixth overall pick, the Flames landed one of the premier defencemen in the draft by selecting Carson Carels from the Prince George Cougars.
Carels enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season, posting 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games. His offensive explosion was the second-highest single-season point total by a defenceman in Prince George franchise history and solidified his status as a projected top-pairing NHL blueliner.
A smooth skater with elite offensive instincts, Carels excels at moving the puck, driving play in transition and creating scoring opportunities from the back end. His all-around game also earned him a spot on Canada’s World Junior Championship roster last season, where he was one of the youngest defencemen to represent the country, ever.
The Manitoba native also made headlines on draft day for a different reason. Rather than attending the event in Buffalo, Carels remained home helping on his family’s farm in Cypress River, a decision that reflects the grounded, hardworking mentality that appealed to Calgary’s scouting staff.
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Carels is committed to the University of North Dakota next season, where he’ll continue his development before making the jump to professional hockey.
“It’s a homerun for us,” Flames general manager Craig Conroy said following the selection.
© Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Later in the first round, Calgary addressed its organizational need at centre by selecting Jack Hextall with the 30th overall pick.
Playing for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, Hextall recorded 58 points, including 20 goals and 38 assists, in 59 games during the 2025-26 season.
The second cousin of former NHL goaltender and executive Ron Hextall, Jack has built his own reputation as a reliable two-way centre who combines size, physicality and offensive potential. His ability to play responsibly on both sides of the puck while competing hard on every shift made him an attractive fit for the Flames.
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Hextall is committed to Michigan State University next season, where he will continue to develop his game against top collegiate competition.
“Good size, competitive and a kid that has skill. His work ethic and his drive is what we really like,” Conroy said of Calgary’s second first-round selection.
© Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Flames entered the draft looking to add high-end talent without compromising the culture they are trying to establish. After the first round, it’s clear they believe they’ve accomplished exactly that.
Carels brings dynamic offensive ability and top-pairing potential to Calgary’s defensive pipeline, while Hextall gives the organization a promising centre with the size, compete level and two-way game that are difficult to find.
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More than anything, both selections reinforce the qualities the Flames continue to value: skill, leadership, character and an unwavering work ethic. If those traits translate as expected, Calgary may look back on the opening night of the 2026 NHL Draft as another important step in building its new core.
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