The sense I have with the Flames’ pick is that they’ve zeroed in on Carels and Verhoeff, in that order. I know others have mocked Björck, and he makes sense as the kind of player they need and have targeted recently, but my hunch is that they’re higher on the D. If the Rangers don’t pick Carels, he’d be a hand-to-glove fit for the Flames and potentially a future partner for Zayne Parekh. They’ve also done their due diligence with Verhoeff, who billeted with Jarome Iginla once upon a time as well. But I think Carels is the likely lean for them if he’s there.

The Flames are one of the teams best-positioned to take both Ruck twins with their five picks in the 30-55 range. They’re a player type the Flames’ staff has never shied away from, too. That makes Liam an option here. I’ve also heard the Flames are another team that likes Hextall, but I don’t think he gets here. I’m not convinced Klepov does either, but if he does, he’s a player I’ve heard they’ve spent some extra time on, and they have a history with his agency.