Future Flames: Jack Hextall Continuing To Show Versatility

His second season with the Phantoms saw a big jump in offensive production, with 10 goals and 58 points in 59 games. Hextall was able to utilize his hockey sense a lot more throughout this season compared to the previous, driving his team’s offence consistently, creating chance after chance. He was able to easily win battles because of his constant forecheck that saw him anticipating plays before they happened rather than dominating with physical presence. 

Heading into the 2026 Draft, most rankings had Hextall from the last first round to early second round. The concerns for him were his physical play, as he really lacked in this area and as he takes the eventual step to the professional side, can no longer solely rely on his hockey sense.

The positives were plentiful. Although not the flashiest player, he doesn’t need to be. Hextall allows his play to slow down the game to see the soft spots, but also speeds it up when needed, as he’s able to create dangerous chances at top speeds. He also produces very well on the power play, as he recorded 31 points during his second season on the Phantoms, utilizing all the open space. 

Michigan State & Future

Hextall committed the Michigan State University Spartans and has recorded two goals and four points through five games this season. Joining a Spartans team loaded with NHL prospects, especially on the offensive side of the puck, Hextall has fit in very well, due in part to his versatility when it comes to his position. 

Even though he is regularly a centre, he has lined up at the wing positions throughout his career. This season is no different, so far having spent time on the first line playing left wing with fellow Flames prospect and 2025 first-round pick Cullen Potter as well as on the third line playing right wing. It has not mattered where Hextall has played; he has been able to produce, which is always great to see for a prospect making the jump to the next level. 

As for when Flames fans can expect to see Hextall, well, it probably won’t be for a while. With such a deep prospect pool in Calgary, especially up the middle, it won’t be by the end of this current season. That is also a good thing, as it will give him more time to develop at Michigan State, where he can take on more responsibilities as time goes on and eventually earn more minutes in the centre role. 

After eventually making his jump to the professional level, unless Hextall undergoes a dramatic change in his playing style, his ceiling is that of second-line two-way centre who is able to consistently produce offensively while having a sound defensive presence.