A glimpse of the Calgary Flames’ future was on display in their home opener against the St. Louis Blues.

The Flames had five recent first-round draft picks dressed for the game — a clear nod to the organization’s success in replenishing its prospect pool and developing young players into NHLers.

In the lineup were:

Connor Zary — 2020, 24th overall
Matthew Coronato — 2021, 13th overall
Samuel Honzek — 2023, 16th overall
Zayne Parekh — 2024, 9th overall
Matvei Gridin — 2024, 28th overall

While the presence of all five young players in the lineup may not last once the likes of Jonathan Huberdeau and Martin Pospisil return, the competition to stay in the NHL is only heating up.

Gridin had an impressive training camp and was initially viewed as more of a placeholder due to injuries on the roster. But he’s making it hard for the coaching staff to consider sending him down. He’s shown confidence and poise with the puck, creating several offensive chances, including scoring his first career goal in the season opener against the Edmonton Oilers.

Honzek got his first taste of the NHL early last season. While he didn’t record a point, he looked solid before losing playing time due to injury. He came into this season stronger and determined to make the team. Although he earned his roster spot largely because of injuries, he now has a chance to secure more minutes and make things difficult for the coaching staff. If Honzek can learn to use his size effectively and the offence follows, the potential is sky-high.

Coronato isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. After signing a seven-year contract this past summer, he looks poised to score goals in Calgary for years to come. Zary also signed a bridge deal in the off-season. Both players appear to be roster locks, though many believe Zary still has another level he can reach.

It was a bit frustrating for Flames fans to see Parekh sit out the first two games of the season. Expectations are high for him, and while his defensive game is still developing, there’s no denying the offensive upside he brings. Hopefully, his days in the press box are behind him.

You also can’t forget about this past summer’s first-round picks, Cole Reschny and Cullen Potter. They likely won’t factor in this season, but both could easily be in the mix to make the team next year. That means all seven of the team’s first-round picks since 2020 could soon be skating for the Flames.

For a team that’s “retooling” — even if it feels more like a rebuild — that kind of success rate is something any organization would dream of. Add in the other draft picks who have contributed or will soon get their chance to contribute, and you’ve really got something special. You must extend the credit throughout the organization — from scouts to management to the coaching staff.

The future is beginning to look bright for the Flames, and it should spark plenty of exciting hockey in the months ahead.