2026 Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings: #3 Cole Reschny

One of the most anticipated prospects since the Flames drafted him in 2025, Reschny was the first good centre prospect that they brought in during this rebuild. After being drafted from the Victoria Royals of the WHL, he committed to the University of North Dakota, where he spent the last season.

Reschny’s development so far

Heading into the 2025 Draft, many fans had hoped to see Calgary select Reschny with the 18th overall pick. When he was available there, it was a no-brainer considering the hole down the middle that was plaguing the Flames. This past season, his D+1, Reschny spent his first year in the NCAA with North Dakota, where he was just shy of a point-per-game pace and tied for second on the team in points.

He also represented Canada at the World Juniors, playing a large part on the team, producing five points (four goals, one assist) in seven games.

Reschny’s Strengths

200-foot game

One thing that stands out about Reschny’s game is that he plays a full 200-foot game. Responsible in each zone and understands his responsibilities. He hems opponents in their own zone, blocking breakout attempts and keeping pressure on them and the puck in the offensive zone. Outside of that, he is heavy on the back check and sees lots of time in defensive situations (like the penalty kill), while also being a force offensively.

Playmaking

When he has the puck on his stick offensively, he opens up passing lanes, even in times when it seems like there aren’t any. Sharp, crisp passes that beat traffic and thread the needle. His puck control also adds to it, as it is extremely difficult to knock him off the puck, and he can hold the puck until he gets the pass he’s looking for.

Reschny’s Weaknesses

Speed

The main critique of Reschny’s games is that he doesn’t have elite speed. That isn’t to say that he is incredibly slow, but he also is not the quickest player out on the ice. His acceleration isn’t at an elite level either. Reschny is able to make up for it with his positioning and IQ; however, building his explosiveness would further his game much more.

Next steps

The next steps for Reschny are mainly to round out his game next year with North Dakota, refining his game to make himself NHL-ready. When the NCAA season is over, there is a chance that the Flames sign him to an Entry-Level contract and have him begin playing near the NHL season. This is most likely his final season before making the jump to the pro level.

NHL projection

He has all the makings to be a second-line centre. The Flames will be hoping that with all the talent in the upcoming draft class, they will be able to get their franchise centre. Reschny doesn’t seem to be a franchise centre, but he also could become one of the league’s best 2C’s, a 1B of sorts.

See our other articles on our list of prospect rankings for 2026:

• #4: Matvei Gridin
• #5: Cullen Potter
• #6: Hunter Brzustewicz
• #7: Ethan Wyttenbach
• #8: Jack Hextall
• #9: Samuel Honzek
• #10: Tobias Trejbal
• #11: Andrew Basha
• #12: Aydar Suniev
• #13: Henry Mews
• #14: Theo Stockselius 
• #15: Mace’o Phillips 
• Honourable Mentions