Jack Hextall

August 2026 – After hearing his name called in the first round by the Calgary Flames, Hextall is preparing for his freshman season at Michigan State, where he’ll look to continue building the hard-nosed, two-way game that made him such an appealing prospect. 

“He competes relentlessly, plays with an edge, forechecks aggressively, and consistently brings energy every shift,” per Victor Nuno’s The Journey on July 11. “Players with this profile often become valuable culture pieces and trusted playoff contributors because they influence games through effort, physicality, and responsibility rather than scoring alone.”

His relentless work ethic and willingness to play in difficult areas should continue serving him well as he begins his collegiate career and works toward earning a professional opportunity. Jayd Serdy

July 2026 – The second cousin of former NHL goaltender Ron Hextall, Jack Hextall built his own case with a point-per-game breakout. Calgary made him its second first-round selection at 30th overall after he posted 20 goals and 38 assists for the Youngstown Phantoms, a 24-point jump that helped the club to a franchise-record season. Hextall wins with motor and connection rather than flash. He supports the puck, drives possession with quick and efficient decisions, and consistently finds teammates in advantageous spots, the traits that translate because they do not lean on physical advantages. He also handled both center and wing, which sharpened his reads at the middle. The growth area is strength: he wins battles now through positioning and anticipation, but older competition will test a frame that still needs filling out.

For fantasy, Hextall is a multi-category, connected center rather than a high-end point source, the kind of profile that accrues value across categories. He heads to Michigan State this fall into a deep forward group, and how his game holds while he adds strength is the development that sets his timeline. He is a patient dynasty hold. Andrew Epps

June 2026 – Hextall was selected 30th overall by the Flames, the teams second selection of the draft. Hextall goes to a team loaded to the brim with scoring prospects. This will give Hextall plenty on time to develop and he has the smarts to make the NHL. Pat Quinn