The Calgary Flames have often struck gold over the past 15 years when selecting American-born players in the NHL Draft. Whether it was Johnny Gaudreau in 2011, Matthew Tkachuk in 2016, or more recently Dustin Wolf in 2019, these picks have brought success and excitement to Calgary. With that track record, it’s easy to see why the Flames may look to go down that road once again.

One potential American prospect who could be available when Calgary picks is Michigan State University forward Shane Vansaghi — a player with considerable upside who could help the club’s future.

Scouting report

Born in 2006 in St. Louis — the same hometown as Matthew Tkachuk — Vansaghi is listed at six-foot-two and 216 pounds. The right-shot winger brings size and strength to the ice.

Vansaghi came up through the St. Louis AAA Blues program, the same youth system that developed both Tkachuk brothers as well as NHLers like Clayton Keller and Pat Maroon. He then spent two seasons (2022–24) with the U.S. National Development Team before joining Michigan State for the 2024–25 campaign, where the Spartans captured the NCAA Big Ten championship.

Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff described Vansaghi this way:

“The strong winger is exactly what you’re looking for from a bottom-six forward: he hits hard, brings energy, and never gives up on a play. We’ve seen him bounce all throughout the MSU lineup this year, and he has always found ways to produce. I think Vansaghi will be an attractive option for an NHL team looking to get tougher to play against deeper in the lineup – he has plenty of pro traits already.”

Anni Karvinen of Dobber Prospects noted Vansaghi’s rise up the draft rankings:

“Previously not ranked in our top 32, Vansaghi is one of the biggest risers on our board. The 6-2, 216-pound power forward wins board and net-front battles with regularity. A great puck handler and surprisingly quick for a player of his size, Vansaghi has been able to flash intriguing skill while playing limited minutes. ”

That last point about ice time is an important one. Vansaghi played on a deep and talented Michigan State roster and was primarily deployed in a third-line role. While he projects as a bottom-six NHL forward, he has proven capable of generating offence and staying dangerous whenever he’s on the ice. For a player who wasn’t high on the draft radar just a short time ago, it’s compelling to consider how much further his game might evolve — perhaps into a middle-six or even top-six role with continued development.

The numbers

In his freshman season with the Spartans, Vansaghi posted six goals and 10 assists in 37 games. That total ranked 11th in team scoring on a roster led by NCAA scoring champion Isaac Howard.

Availability and fit

Public scouting outlets vary in where they see Vansaghi going in the draft. Dobber Prospects ranks him as high as 21st overall, while TSN’s Bob McKenzie has him going as late as 51st. That wide range suggests Vansaghi could be a late first-round pick, but the general consensus is that he will likely be selected in the second round.

Vansaghi is seen as a low-risk, high-reward selection. He already plays a responsible, pro-style game and is considered defensively sound, with offensive potential still to be tapped into.

While the Flames are clearly in search of a top-six forward to help lead the team into the future, Vansaghi may not fit that mould just yet. However, if Calgary acquires that key piece earlier — either by trading up or making a move for an NHL centre — Vansaghi could be a smart bet with one of their second-round picks if Vansaghi is still available.