Folks, the Calgary Flames had a pretty productive 2024 NHL Draft.

First-round pick Zayne Parekh leads all Ontario Hockey League blueliners in points. Their other first-round pick, Matvei Gridin, is a strong contender to be named the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League’s top rookie. Fourth-round pick Trevor Hoskin could be named the Atlantic Hockey conference’s top rookie. Heck, sixth-round pick Eric Jamieson is captaining the Western Hockey League’s powerhouse Everett Silvertips to a very successful season.

While some of his fellow 2024 draftees have been strong all season, sixth-round pick Hunter Laing has experienced some ups and downs this season. This last week saw him recognized for his recent strong play, as Laing was named the WHL’s player of the week on Monday.

Over the weekend, Laing had a pair of two-goal games, registering four goals and an assist over two outings to help the Saskatoon Blades clinch a berth in the WHL’s post-season with a pair of wins over the Prince Albert Raiders. (Laing scored the game-winner in their first victory against Prince Albert.)

A product of scenic Kelowna, BC, Laing is a 6’6″, 209 pound right shot winger. He was selected by the Flames with their sixth-round pick at 170th overall. He began his WHL career with the Prince George Cougars, but he was swapped to Saskatoon on Jan. 8 along with Luke Dumas, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick in exchange for Ben Riche. The 2005-born Riche has been pretty good for the Cougars, posting 10 goals and 18 points over 23 games.

But Laing’s held up his end of the bargain for the Blades, scoring 13 goals and 18 points over 21 games since arriving. Now, Laing had 22 points in 36 games for Prince George before the trade, so we understand the idea of the Cougars using him as part of the asset package to land Riche prior to the WHL’s trading freeze. But Laing has found another level to his offensive game since the trade, and considering he has another full year of WHL eligibility ahead of him, that can only mean great things for his development… and the on-ice success of the Blades moving forward.