The Calgary Flames appear to have a very good prospect on their hands in 19-year-old forward Jacob Battaglia.
Battaglia, who was selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, was named captain of the Kingston Frontenacs before the 2025-26 season began. However, after notching 40 goals and 90 points in 2024-25, his offence dipped this season.
With just 14 goals and 27 points in 36 games, the struggling Frontenacs chose to trade Battaglia on Monday morning. Despite his own struggles this season, the return in a deal with the Flint Firebirds shows just how much value the 6-foot-1 winger has.
We have acquired #Flames prospect Jacob Battaglia from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for eight OHL Priority Selection draft picks pic.twitter.com/OTInekdoAg
— Flint Firebirds (@FlintFirebirds) January 5, 2026
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. The Firebirds acquired the Flames prospect in exchange for a ridiculous eight draft picks. In total, there will be two seconds, two thirds, two fourths, one fifth, and one sixth-round pick heading to the Frontenacs in the blockbuster deal.
With the trade, Battaglia will be joining a Firebirds team that sits second in the Western Conference with a 26-9-4 record. His personal stats should also see a tremendous increase, as he’s joining a team that has scored 144 goals this season. The Frontenacs, on the other hand, have managed just 114.
The Flames have already signed Battaglia to an entry-level contract, suggesting that he will turn to the pro ranks next season. He is one of several intriguing young forward prospects the Flames have, which also includes the likes of Cole Reschny, Cullen Potter, Andrew Basha, William Stromgren, and several others.
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