August 32-in-32: Calgary Flames

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The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects! Every day in August we will be bringing you a complete breakdown of a team’s draft, and insights into their off-season movements thus far. Following this up in September, we will dive into every team’s prospect depth chart with fantasy insights and implications for the upcoming seasons. Check back often, because we plan on filling your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season long!

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The Calgary Flames finished last season with an overall record of 38-39-5 which gave them 81 points leaving them tied for fifth in the Pacific Division. This offseason The Flames have been in a “retool mode” where they added a ton of talent at the draft and made a couple nice signings on July first that included Anthony Mantha and Ryan Lomberg.

Calgary has seen many beloved players leave over the years. With that in mind, it was nice to see them lock up Yegor Sharongovich to a five year contract extension. Sharongovich is only 26-years-old and he led the Flames in goals last season with 31 while adding 28 assists for 59 points. Look for Sharogovich to have another big season on Calgary’s top line where he will get a ton of opportunity.

The Flames are in a very interesting position as they will definitely not contend for the Stanley Cup this year, however, it is about the growth of their young players in the system and the hope is that they can develop a winning culture in their organization. This will not happen immediately but over time this will all come together and this offseason the Flames did a great job at checking some big boxes.

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NHL Draft

Round 1, 9th overall – Zayne Parekh, RHD

The first of ten selections made by the Calgary Flames in the 2024 NHL Draft, was 6-foot-0 defencemen Zayne Parekh. Parekh was ranked fifth among top North American skaters according to NHL central scouting. He is an offensive defencemen that played for the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL where he registered a whopping 33 goals, 63 assists, 96 points in 66 games played. Those numbers are absolutely absurd from a defender!

Not only did Parekh set OHL records, but he also led his Saginaw Spirit to their first Memorial Cup Championship in team history! His play style has shades of Erik Karlsson. Parekh has an extremely high offensive ceiling and that is clear, what’s also clear is that he will be a big part of this Flames blue line for a long time. Expect him to have another big season in Saginaw where the maturity of his game will grow which will only help him before he makes the jump to the next level.

Round 1, 28th Overall – Matvei Gridin, RW

Calgary’s second selection in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft was forward Matvei Gridin. Gridin is a 6-foot-2, 190 pound right-wing who most recently played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. Gridin not only led the Lumberjacks in scoring, but he also led the entire USHL in scoring last season as he posted 38 goals, 45 assists, 83 points in 60 games. Gridin is an offensive powerhouse that can put up big numbers, he is also a left-handed shot that plays on the right wing. He spent last season skating alongside Sacha Biosvert who was drafted just ten selections ahead of him at 18th overall, the two were absolutely deadly together.

Gridin was going to be headed to The University of Michigan next season but a late change of plans will see him play in The QMJHL. There may be question marks surrounding his character. However, no matter where Gridin plays he is a pure offensive talent so if he is put in the right system he will deliver. Look for Gridin to be a top 6 scoring winger for The Flames down the line if all pans out.

Round 2, 41st Overall – Andrew Basha, LW

Andrew Basha is a 5-foot-11, 174 pound left-wing who plays for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. Basha recorded 30 goals, 55 assists, 85 points in 63 games played. Basha is an elite offensive talent where he can score goals but he can also distribute the puck just as well. Basha was ranked 26th among North American skaters according to NHL central scouting, so scooping him up in the second round had great value. Basha was also fortunate to have elite talent around him as he played alongside Gavin Mckenna (projected 2026 first overall pick) and Cayden Lindstrom (2024 fourth overall pick) which definitely helps.

Basha will look to continue his development with another strong season with Medicine Hat, I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a serious run at a WHL championship. In the long run Basha has top-six upside, however he is most likely a middle-six option that can add scoring to this Flames team. A fun fact about Basha is that he grew up in the Calgary area so look for him to be a potential hometown gem.

Round 2, 62nd Overall – Jacob Battaglia, RW

Jacob Battaglia is a 6-foot-1, 196 pound winger that plays for the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. Battaglia tallied 31 goals, 34 assists, 65 points in 67 games played with the Frontenacs which was second best on his team. Battaglia is very good in tight around the net and has top-six upside but most likely will be a middle-six option if all pans out. Battaglia is raw but has loads of potential, with his size already, watch out for him in the future because he has the ability to become a beast.

Battaglia will benefit from another season or two in the OHL with Kingston as he can really round out his game and become more of a complete player. Look for Kingston to be more improved as well which will only mean more opportunity for Battaglia to shine.

Round 3, 74th Overall – Henry Mews, RHD

Henry Mews is a 6-foot-0, 187 pound right-handed defensemen that plays for the Ottawa 67’s in the OHL. Mews recorded a nice season with 15 goals, 46 assists, 61 points in 65 games, he also added seven points in seven games for Canada at the Under-18 World Junior Championships. Mews seemed to be a steal for Calgary in the third round as he was ranked 37th among North American skaters by NHL central scouting and was expected to be off the board by then. Mews is a smooth skating defensemen with great vision, he can also run a power-play at the top of an umbrella. Mews does struggle in his own end at times, but as he develops and gets stronger those problems should be solved.

Calgary has made it clear that they are absolutely loading up the right-side of their backend as they already added Zayne Parekh in this draft, now they add Henry Mews as well. Mews will return to the OHL next season where he will look to continue getting stronger and more reliable in his own end.

Round 3, 84th Overall – Kirill Zarubin, G

6-foot-4, 180 pound Russian goaltender, Kirill Zarubin was taken in the back half of the third round. Zarubin plays for AKM Tula of the MHL. Zarubin pitched a ninety-four percent save percentage last year which was second best in the league, he has some nice professional attributes. Goaltenders do genuinely take a lot longer time to develop than most skaters so don’t expect to see Zarubin in North America for at least the next 2-3 seasons.

Round 4, 106th Overall – Trevor Hoskin, RW

Opening up the third round the Flames selected 6-foot-1,175 pound Trevor Hoskin from the Cobourg Cougars of The OJHL. Hoskin, a right-wing absolutely dominated as he racked up 100 points in just 52 games played. While he is still raw, there is a ton of upside to his game. Hoskin will attend Niagara University next season where he will get a good opportunity to play in the NCAA.

Round 5, 150th Overall- Luke Misa- C

The Flames selected 5-foot-10, 174 pound Luke Misa from the Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL. Luke Misa is the older brother of Micahel Misa (top five prospect for 2025 NHL draft). Luke may be an under-sized center, however he does possess good speed and playmaking ability. Despite the Steelheads having a tough season, Luke was able to produce as he collected 26 goals, 55 assists, 81 points in 66 games played. Look for Luke Misa to spend at
least two more seasons of junior before he turns professional.

Round 6 170th Overall- Hunter Laing- C

Hunter Laing was selected 170th overall by the Flames in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Laing is a 6-foot-6, 205 pound center that plays for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL. With his size already, look for Laing to be a potential dark horse prospect for the Flames.

Round 6 177th Overall- Eric Jameison, D

With their final pick in the 2024 NHL draft, the Calgary Flames took a shot on Eric Jamieson, a defensemen from the Everett Silvertips in the WHL. Jamison is known for being a defenaive defencemen that brings a ton of physicality. His play style could be beneficial down the road as a fifth or sixth defenceman.

Off-Season Moves

Incoming:
Anthony Mantha, signed a one-year contract
Devin Cooley, signed a two-year, two-way contract extension
Jake Bean, signed a two-year contract
Justin Kirkland, signed a one-year, two-way contract
Kevin Bahl, acquired via trade on June 19th, 2024
Martin Frk, signed a one-year contract
Ryan Lomberg, signed a two-year contract

Outgoing:
Andrew Mangiapane, UFA
A.J. Greer, UFA
Dillon Dube, UFA
Dennis Gilbert, UFA
Jordan Oesterle, UFA
Oliver Kylington, UFA
Mark Pysyk, UFA

Re-signed:
Yegor Sharongovich resigned a five-year contract extension
Goaltender Dustin Wolf resigned a two-year, two-way contract extension
Zayne Parekh signed a three-year, entry-level contract
Matvei Gridin signed a three-year, entry-level contract

Development Camp

The future of the Calgary Flames was on full display during their annual prospects development camp that took place from July fourth through sixth. It was Flames’ fans first chance at seeing the haul from the 2024 NHL draft. Just an overall action packed weekend as the prospects took the ice for some competitive scrimmages, met with the media to showcase their personalities, and even did some off-ice team building exercises which is a great way for everyone to meet each other and get comfortable around one another. Development camps are a great opportunity for these kids to be able to come see the city in which they are going to embark their professional careers in.

Zayne Parekh mic'd up at Flames Development Campwww.youtube.com › watch 

Final Thoughts

It has been an extreme whirlwind for the Calgary Flames over the last few seasons, however now everything seems to be a lot more clear. This team is not expected to make a magical run at a Stanley Cup anytime soon, however there are exciting times ahead. GM Craig Conroy has made it obvious that they want to add talent through The NHL Draft, that’s why they made 10 selections this year. With proper player development, these prospects are going to rise and could help the Calgary Flames within the next two to four years when they are ready to compete again. More news should arise before training camp opens up in September, until then have a great summer, Flames fans.

Thank you for reading! Follow me on X @Tony_Trank55 for more!