Should the Flames look to move up in the 2025 NHL Draft?

The Calgary Flames almost qualified for the 2025 NHL postseason, but fell short. The team ended in the dreaded position of finishing in the “mediocre middle” once again, leaving the team and their fans disappointed.

Now all eyes are on the off-season, in particular the 2025 NHL Draft being held in Los Angeles. After the incredible draft the Flames had last year, many wonder if the team is able to replicate those types of smart and skillful selections this year. The Flames are a lock for the 18th overall pick via the New Jersey Devils and are awaiting the results of where the Florida Panthers’ pick will end up.

Despite the team having two firsts this year, many have brought up the question of whether or not it makes sense for the Flames to trade up. It’s certainly an intriguing idea, as Calgary would be better off selecting higher in a draft class that scouts have claimed is weaker than previous years.

Does it make sense for the Flames to trade up?

The Flames trading up in this year’s draft would be an idea many fans would entertain. However, it’s a rare occurrence in the NHL these days to see high draft picks getting moved. If anything, the Flames would have to offer a trade to a team that would be better off giving the pick away.

The expectations the Flames had this season were slim to none. They were expected to be a lottery team, but they defied the odds and remained in the hunt all season. Still, a high pick would change this team for the better.

There are a handful of talented centres in this year’s draft class. Among the names are Michael Misa, James Hagens and Anton Frondell. Getting even one of these players would mean a lot for the Flames, as a number one centre is what this team is desperately missing. With this year’s draft being weaker, teams would likely be more willing to trade compared to previous drafts. It would therefore be understandable why the Flames could potentially explore this path if they believe the gamebreaker they need is in the 2025 draft class.

What would the Flames need to give up?

Obviously, when it comes to something like this, Calgary would have quite the challenge ahead. To move up into the top ten, the Flames would have to offer a package that would be too good to refuse.

Let’s take the Utah Mammoth for example, as they’re selecting fourth overall in this year’s draft. The Mammoth have aspirations of being a playoff team next season and could be aggressive this summer. If the fourth overall pick was in play for a trade, the Flames would need to give up a boatload.

In my eyes, anyone except Dustin Wolf and Zayne Parekh would likely be on the table. Let’s take the following mock trade as an example of what the Flames would likely need to give up:

To Calgary: 2025 fourth overall pick (from Utah)

To Utah: Rasmus Andersson, both Calgary 2025 firsts (from New Jersey and Florida), prospect, prospect (could be Sam Honzek, Jacob Battaglia, Matvei Gridin etc)

If Utah were truly serious, they might even ask for one of Connor Zary or Matt Coronato, which I doubt the Flames would do. Again, I’m not an expert when it comes to trade value around the league, but I’m sure Calgary would need to pay up big time.

Is this a realistic ask?

So, do I think moving up in the 2025 draft could be in Calgary’s cards? Maybe. However, with NHL teams, you never know, as the draft can be a pretty interesting time regarding player movement. The truth is that if we see the Flames move up, it likely won’t be a drastic move. Maybe they negotiate with the Montreal Canadiens to move up to 16th for example.

Moving into the top ten would take a lot more assets, something I’m not sure the Flames are willing to do. At 18th overall, they have the potential to select a pretty good player, but as mentioned, the draft is unpredictable.

At the end of the day, as long as the Flames are drafting well is the key. They need to continue to use the same strategies they used last year, as their scouting department pretty much hit a home run with every pick. Let’s see if this year will also be another successful draft for Craig Conroy and company.