After weeks of anticipation, the 2025 NHL Draft finally unfolds this weekend, with the festivities being directed from Los Angeles, California.

The Calgary Flames enter the draft in a unique position. Having recently embarked upon a roster overhaul, they managed to barely missing the playoffs and seem poised to perhaps take a step as their younger players grow in 2025-26. They also have two first-round selections – 18th and 32nd overall – and could very well trade Rasmus Andersson (with a contract that expires after this coming season) very soon.

To help tee up what could be a very eventful few days for the Flames, we’ve convened our writing staff for the traditional roundtable!

Adrian: Braeden Cootes. The Flames need a top prospect at centre and Cootes will likely by the best available centre when they pick at 18.

Coleman: Benjamin Kindel is a centre who will be overlooked due to his size and he currently plies his trade in Calgary. When you are deeper in the first round and the draft order ceases to correlate directly to NHL potential there is something to be said for having eyes on a prospect.

Flash: Personally I’m hoping either Benjamin Kindel or Cole Reschny are there. They both have showcased elite scoring skill playing up the middle in the Western Hockey League, both are Western Canadian kids – I like the fit with them.

Liam: I would love to see the Flames come away with Cole Reschny at 18. He plays a position of need (centre) and can help them put more pucks in the net. He’s a hard-working, high-energy player, and one of the better playmakers in this class. Rechny posted 117 points in 73 total games with the Victoria Royals this season, including 25 in 11 playoff contests.

Mike: I’m between Ben Kindel and Cole Reschny. I’d lean toward Reschny here as I suspect they may be able to get Kindel later in the draft.

Robert: This might be a reach but I would love to see the Flames get the chance to draft Carter Bear of the Everett Silvertips. I think he would be a top 10 pick if it weren’t for his Achilles injury he suffered at the end of his WHL season. The mix of high end skill and relentless competitiveness makes him a super enticing player for the Flames at #18. You don’t see players with that combo all that often.

Ryan: If the Flames end up getting one of Ben Kindel, Cole Reschny or Braeden Cootes, I think they’ll be in good shape. (Jack Nesbitt is my dark horse here.)

Ryley: While doing the first round targets, I talked myself into hoping that Flames select Kashawn Aitcheson if he falls to the Flames. Big and nasty defenceman with a goal scoring touch. I don’t think he’ll fall to the 18th overall pick, but if the Flames have any chance to draft Roger McQueen, they have to do it.

Adrian: I think the Flames will pick seven players this draft. Now there is a good chance that some of their picks end up in a different position than were they currently sit , but I still think they’ll have the same number.

Coleman: I believe they will draft less than seven players by adding draft capital into their trade packages.

Flash: I think they probably pick six(ish) times. Conroy has the organization poised to move up or down in the draft better than most teams with the benefit of an extra first rounder – but do the Flames scouting staff feel THIS is the draft to do that? We’ll see.

Liam: I could see the Flames trading down at least once to accumulate more selections in this draft. I’ll go out on a limb and predict they call nine names.

Mike: Seven.

Robert: I think they’ll draft more than seven players. They’ll do that by acquiring multiple draft picks from a Rasmus Andersson trade.

Ryan: I’m gonna say eight.

Ryley: In the 2024 draft, the Flames traded their fourth round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for a fifth-round and sixth-round pick. They are without a fourth round pick (traded in the Matthew Tkachuk deal), so it would not surprise me if they made a similar move. Alternatively, perhaps they package their 18th overall and 32nd overall to move up in the draft?

Adrian: At this point it feels pretty close to a sure thing, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t. Obviously there is quite a lot of interest in Andersson, but you never know what other opportunities may arise.

Coleman: At least one sizable trade before or at the draft and it would sure be exciting if it was centred around a certain defenceman who seems to be ready for a change of scenery.

Flash: I don’t think they’ll rush things on Rasmus Andersson, but if another team comes knocking with a bit of a higher ask to speed things along I think Craig Conroy would pounce. I also would never rule out a dark horse candidate either – the Flames still have plenty of veterans on their roster someone might give Calgary something they’re searching for to get that piece.

Liam: It’s unlikely in my eyes, and certainly nothing blockbuster, as I think they’re inclined to bide their time on a potential Andersson trade. If anything, they liquidate a guy like Miromanov for a late pick.

Mike: Gonna put on my nihilist hat here and say they won’t. I think it’s possible, but the odds of them not doing anything are just always better.

Robert: Yes. I think Rasmus Andersson will be traded by the end of the draft. It’s been made clear that they are far apart on a contract extension. I counted at least 15 teams that desperately need help on the right side of their defence. Andersson at $4.55 million or even $2.25 million if the Flames eat half his salary, is going to be a hot commodity on the trade market.

Ryan: At the very least, I think the Flames make a minor swap to gain a late pick. I don’t necessarily expect a Rasmus Andersson trade before Sunday, but until he’s moved it’ll always remain a distinct possibility.

Ryley: Not only do I think the Flames will make a trade before the draft, I’m going to predict the trade. They’ll trade Rasmus Andersson (with an extension in place) to either the Detroit Red Wings or the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 13th or 14th overall pick. Perhaps they add on with a pick or two, but it would not be shocking to see Andersson traded before the draft finishes. (edited)

Tune in for The Sheet Draft Special, streaming live on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel on Friday, June 27th at 7 PM EST. Hosted by Jeff Marek, this live special will cover all the action from the 2025 Draft, including expert analysis of top prospects, team-by-team breakdowns, and real-time reactions to every pick. Whether you’re tracking your team’s future stars or just love the drama of draft night, this is your go-to destination for all things Draft.