When we compiled our annual summer prospect rankings here at FlamesNation, Carter King didn’t crack the top 20.

That’s not meant as a slight against King. Far from it. the Calgary product was an exciting addition to the Flames organization when he signed his entry-level deal back in the spring, and we covered his first pro appearances with the Calgary Wranglers. He’s a quality prospect and someone that Flames fans should legitimately be excited about seeing progress towards the NHL level.

But the Flames have made oodles and oodles of draft choices over the past three years, to the point where once everybody arrives at the pro level, the Flames are going to have some tough decisions to make in terms of how to slot everybody in.

But at the 2025 edition of Flames prospects training camp, a lot of the players that slotted in ahead of King in our rankings weren’t in attendance. Especially the centres.

2025 first-rounders Cole Reschny and Cullen Potter? Preparing for their collegiate seasons. 2025 second-rounder Theo Stockselius? Already playing his regular season in Sweden.

And so when the Flames hit the ice for their two rookie camp games, King was one of four centres on the roster – along with AHL signees David Silye and Carter Wilkie, and invitee Nathan Brisson – and was given the plum position of first line centre. He played with Sam Honzek and Aydar Suniev on Friday, and Honzek and Matvei Gridin on Sunday.

He registered two assists and earned praise from Wranglers head coach Brett Sutter following Sunday’s game.

“He can slow the game down and find those guys flying down the lane because he’s really good at it,” said Sutter. “Another one of those guys, I thought he kind of controlled the pace of play and how he wanted to play. And again, he was one of those guys that took a big step in the checking side of it. From when he came up last year to the first game to this game, there’s noticeable difference. So it’s clear he’s buying in and then that’s what you want to see.”

King’s opportunity to showcase himself seems primed to continue as prospects training camp turns into main camp. Here are the established professional centres expected in camp: Nazem Kadri, Mikael Backlund, Morgan Frost, Justin Kirkland, Clark Bishop and Sam Morton. (Rory Kerins plays a bit of centre and wing depending on circumstances.) If you’re King, who just centred some strong prospects in rookie games, you might have a chance to centre some established NHL players during the pre-season.

You can’t control the circumstances you’re in, just how you respond to them. King was able to learn the Wranglers systems when he played with them in the spring. He received a big opportunity to play a big role during the two rookie games and performed well, and he’ll likely have an another opportunity when the pre-season begins.

Right now, opportunity is knocking for King. So far, he’s answering well. We’ll see if he can maintain his momentum when main camp begins later this week.

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