FN’s 2026 Flames summer prospect rankings – #2: Cole Reschny

There are a fair number of quality prospects around the NHL poised for some big years. One man that should be in the spotlight plenty this year is also the top forward on our list. He’s a player that the majority of our voters had as the Calgary Flames’ top forward prospect, has a shot at captaining Team Canada at the World Juniors, might contend for the Hobey Baker, and has a very, very good chance to make his NHL debut before the year is over, depending on if he can win an NCAA championship or not.

That is the man from Macklin, centre Cole Reschny, who is second on our annual prospects countdown.

Cole Reschny

Forward; shoots left
Born Apr. 6, 2007 (age 19) in Macklin, Saskatchewan
5’11”, 187 pounds
Drafted in the first round (16th overall) by Calgary in the 2025 NHL Draft. 

Reschny came into the WHL world with a high profile, going third overall in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. He would spend one more season dominating AAA hockey while occasionally playing as a call-up for four games.

He didn’t need long to acclimate himself. His first full season, the one prior to his draft year (D-1), Reschny came just shy of producing a point-per-game. 59 points in 61 games with 21 of them being goals. This was a season that saw Reschny play almost entirely as a 16 year old, logging top-6 minutes playing against other top drafted prospects with multiple years of experience on him. 

He never once looked out of place. Instead he only continued to grow. 

His playmaking is a primary point of his game. Being able to dish the puck with accuracy both in the attacking zone and off the rush. Passes land flat and allow his wingers to maintain their momentum with ease of control. It’s like a second nature to him now, and was a natural talent he continues to polish every year. 

His draft year Reschny put up 92 points in 62 games, adding a ridiculous 25 points in just 11 playoff games. His production clearly suggested that of a top-10 pick, but for whatever reason he fell to 18th overall where Calgary – who desperately needed some quality centre depth in their system – gladly selected the young Canadian. 

He then moved on to a new level, the NCAA playing for a quality program year after year in North Dakota. Again, in yet another new league a tier up, he almost went point-per-game with 35 points in 36 games and earned NCHC rookie of the year honours. His role grew all year, starting as a middle-six option and growing into one of their most efficient options by the end of the season. 

With more on Reschny here’s some thoughts from Anthony Dillett of the Dakota Student:

Reschny became one of Dane Jackson’s go-to faceoff men throughout the season, backing up an often-overworked Ellis Rickwood in end-of-game and overtime situations.
On and off the ice, Reschny displayed maturity beyond his years, establishing himself as an excellent communicator and leader.
After the Fighting Hawks’ season-ending loss to the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA Frozen Four, Reschny assuaged many fans’ worries, announcing he would remain in Grand Forks for his sophomore season.

Expectations for 2026-27

I would think for Cole Reschny the primary focus right now is trying to win the NCAA national championship. I would never say competing for the Hobey Baker is an expectation, but it’s not out of the realm of realistic possibilities for Reschny to compete for the award this season. That’s if Ethan Wyttenbach doesn’t take it from him. 

I do feel he is the front-runner for the Canadian captaincy at the World Juniors as well. A returning player who scored four goals in the prior tournament, and clutch goals at that. That’s going to be quite the experience for Reschny, seeing as this year’s tournament is in Edmonton/Red Deer. 

There’s also a reason the Flames are specifically leaving contract spots open under the 50 contract limit, and Reschny is likely one of them. After one more crack at the Frozen Four championship Reschny will likely join the Flames, potentially playing out the final games in the barn of all barns, the Saddledome. 

After that the focus will be on how Reschny can develop at the NHL level. Based off his track record at every other level, I have high hopes.

2026 prospect rankings

Chechelev/Benning/Littler/Lipinski [HM] | Misa/Matveiko/Leander [HM] | Lane/Laylin/Katolicky [HM] | Hurtig [HM] | Iginla [HM] | Kerins [HM] | Wiebe [HM] | Hoskin [HM] | Yegorov [HM] | Stromgren [HM] | Barabanov [HM] | Curran [20] | Sergeev [T18] | Jamieson [T18] | Zarubin [17] | Shaikhlislamov [16] | Phillips [15] | Castagna [14] | Gross [13] | Harrington [12] | Basha [11] | Stockselius [10] | Trejbal [9] | Suniev [8] | Mews [7] | Hextall [6] | Honzek [T4] | Potter [T4] | Wyttenbach [3]