Forwards the Flames should consider drafting at 18th overall

The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils, confirming that the Calgary Flames will have the 18th selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Calgary Flames got this pick in the Jacob Markstrom deal last offseason. This could be an amazing trade for the Flames as they already acquired a solid defenceman in Kevin Bahl; now, they must succeed with the draft pick. Let’s take a look at some forwards the Flames should consider drafting with the 18th overall selection.

Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver Giants

The Flames would be well-served by selecting forward Cameron Schmidt from the Vancouver Giants of the WHL. He is a high-scoring forward with an excellent shot. The 18-year-old is coming off a 40-goal season, leading the Giants in goals and points. Schmidt is exactly what the Flames need. A high-scoring forward who can drive offence and score in important situations.

In the WHL Playoffs, Cameron Schmidt recorded four goals and nine points in just five games. This is even more impressive because it was against the Spokane Chiefs, who are on the verge of the WHL Finals.

There is a good chance that Schmidt will be available for the Calgary Flames at 18th overall. His size will diminish his draft stock, as he comes in at 5’7″ and 157 pounds per Elite Prospects. Most draft rankings have the forward listed in the 15–30 range. Schmidt’s highest ranking is from TSN’s Craig Button, who has him listed at number eight on his draft rankings.

A comparable to Schmidt on the current Flames roster is Matt Coronato. These players have similarities such as speed, a shooting mentality, and offensive drive. The Flames should consider drafting Schmidt, as he would provide some much-needed scoring in the future.

Ben Kindel, Calgary Hitmen

Another great selection for the Flames would be forward Ben Kindel from the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. Kindel is coming off a breakout season in the WHL, where he put up 99 points in 65 regular-season games. The forward kept things going in the playoffs, putting up 15 points in 11 games.

Kindel was extremely clutch down the stretch with the Hitmen. He scored back-to-back overtime winning goals in the second round against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Unfortunately, the Hitmen lost in game seven, which eliminated them from the playoffs.

Ben Kindel is generally ranked in the 18th overall selection area. The playmaker would be a fantastic addition to the current young core of the Flames. The majority of draft professionals have Kindel ranked between 15 and 30, similar to Cameron Schmidt. Kindel stands at 5’10” and 176 pounds. His structure may give him a bit of an edge over Schmidt, but either forward is a great selection.

It is difficult to compare Ben Kindel to any player on the Flames. This gives management a significant reason to draft him, as the team needs a player of his caliber.

Cullen Potter, Arizona State University

A potential choice for the Flames from the NCAA is forward Cullen Potter of Arizona State University. Potter had an exceptional season with Arizona State, putting up 22 points in 35 games. The forward is currently playing in the U18 World Hockey Championship with the USA. He has put up six points in five games and will play against Sweden in the semifinals on Friday. This is another good option for the Flames as Potter would provide some secondary scoring on the left wing.

Cullen Potter slots in on the draft rankings in a variety of spots. The majority of draft professionals have him ranked in the 10–30 range. His highest ranking is from SMAHT Scouting, which has him ranked at seventh overall. It looks like there’s a good chance he would be available for the Calgary Flames to draft 18th overall.

Potter stands at 5’10” and 172 pounds, putting him in the same range as the others on this list. His two-way style of play sets him apart from some one-dimensional players in the 2025 draft class. Potter is the second-best American prospect in this draft behind James Hagens. His shifty skating skills would make him a great addition for the Flames, who lack a bit of speed in their lineup.

Cole Reschny, Victoria Royals

A solid centreman in the 2025 NHL Draft is Cole Reschny from the Victoria Royals of the WHL. Reschny is coming off a fantastic season, where he had 66 assists in 62 games. Not to mention, he also had 25 points in only 11 WHL playoff games. Unfortunately, Reschny and the Royals lost in the second round of the WHL Playoffs to the Spokane Chiefs.

This has allowed Reschny to play for Team Canada at the U18 World Hockey Championship. He, along with Cameron Schmidt and Ben Kindel, have been lights out for Canada. Reschny recently scored the game-tying and overtime-winning goals in the quarterfinal to help Canada advance to the semifinals.

On most draft rankings, Cole Reschny slots in around the 20–40 area. His highest ranking is from TSN’s Craig Button, who has ranked him at number 11. Reschny stands at 5’10” and 187 pounds. This is another player that the Flames could use. His position makes him even more of an asset to a team like the Flames.

The current roster for the Flames significantly lacks centre depth. Reschny would easily become the best young two-way centreman on the team with a huge role to fill. Other than Nazem Kadri, the centre core of the Flames is extremely weak. This is why Reschny would be an excellent choice for the Flames.

Be sure to catch all of these players at the U18 World Hockey Championship. Canada plays Slovakia on Friday in the semifinal, and the medal games take place on Saturday.