Flames’ Draft Options if Tij Iginla Is Gone

Catton is a true centre, whereas Iginla spends a lot of time on the wing. The Flames lack quality centres in their prospect pipeline; Connor Zary has seemingly graduated full-time to the NHL, meaning the franchise really only has 2023 first-rounder Sam Honzek left in development. Catton is more than talented enough to crack the Flames’ roster out of camp and would have every opportunity to flourish with the Flames. He is one of the few 2024 prospects with legitimate top-line centre potential. Catton is also Canadian, which could help with apparent player retention issues. The Flames recently watched American draft picks Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk both take less money and term to leave the team for American NHL franchises. It would be nice to see homegrown talent stay and succeed with the franchise for a change.

Sam Dickinson, Left Defence, London Knights

Next up is young defender Sam Dickinson, who skates for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He is one of the aforementioned many talented rearguards up for grabs. If it weren’t for some of the others, he would most definitely be the best available blueliner and possesses the rare ability to be NHL-ready as soon as next season. At just 17, he already has big-league size with a 6-foot-3, 194-pound frame. He is less flashy offensively than OHL counterpart Zayne Parekh, but is no slouch with 18 goals and 70 points in 68 games. As a left-shot, he is a tad less desirable due to age-old biases for right-shot defenders which may help the Flames’ opportunity to add him to their pool.

Dickinson is an excellent two-way defender who is very responsible in his own end. He has an uncanny ability to read and break up plays, is rarely caught out of position, and uses his size to win battles in the corners or in front of his net. His play has been instrumental to the Knights’ success this season, which includes the OHL championship and a crack at the 2024 Memorial Cup. The Flames have some quality defensive prospects including Jeremie Poirier and the recently acquired Hunter Brzustewicz and Artem Grushnikov. However, if Dickinson is not a top-eight pick, Conroy may have no choice but to take him at nine. He is simply too talented and ready to make an impact to slide any further.

Carter Yakemchuk, Right Defence, Calgary Hitmen

Finally, should Iginla not be available, the next best story would be if the Flames could snag defenceman Carter Yakemchuk in the draft. Yakemchuk is a local; he was born in Fort McMurray but raised in Calgary where he played for the Flames U15 & U18 AAA teams, and now the WHL’s Hitmen. How fitting would it be if the next jersey he donned was the storied Flaming ‘C’? The previously discussed player retention issue could likely be tossed out of the proverbial window with Yakemchuk, who would most relish the opportunity to suit up for his childhood team. Like Dickinson, Yakemchuk has NHL-ready size at 6-foot-3 and 194 pounds but is the much-coveted right-shooting blueliner. He is also one of the oldest first-year eligible players, missing out on the 2023 Draft by just a few days.

Yakemchuk showed that he is ready to make the next step this season, as made evident by his 2023-24 stats. He put up a whopping 30 goals and 71 points in 66 games for the Hitmen, good for first and fifth among all WHL defenders. Thirty or more goals as a defenceman in the WHL is a rare feat, having been accomplished only once since the 2016-17 season (Anaheim Ducks prospect Olen Zellweger had 32 in 2022-23). He actually finished just five goals short of the WHL record for defenders under 19. Yakemchuk is also a lot more gritty than some of his counterparts, as he put up 120 penalty minutes last season (fifth in the WHL). His point shot is heavy and accurate, and he is an excellent rush defender. The Hitmen lacked offensive punch this season, leaving Yakemchuk to take the puck in alone and slice through opposing teams on many occasions. Due to his position, skill, size, and upbringing, he would be a super valuable addition to the Flames.

Whatever decision the Flames make, it will be difficult for them to select a bad player. The 2024 Draft has an abundance of quality talent available in the top ten. Here’s to hoping “Iggy Jr.” is available, but fans can rest easy knowing that their team will be welcoming a new prodigy regardless. Iginla is more than likely the franchise’s penciled-in first choice, but Catton, Dickinson, and Yakemchuk are more than acceptable consolation prizes.