To begin this exercise, I would like everyone to close their eyes. Well, theoretically, because you can’t read the rest of this with your eyes closed. So, theoretically, close your eyes. Imagine you are in a fantasy world where everything has gone right. This world is full of puppies and rainbows, you are a millionaire, and the Calgary Flames have just won the NHL Draft Lottery.
Suddenly, the franchise that has never drafted higher than fourth overall has the first overall draft pick. What a dream scenario. This is something fans have desperately been wishing for, and in this world, the wish has finally come true. But the decision to make now is which player should be drafted. A year ago, it was a no-brainer, and Gavin McKenna was the obvious choice. However, now there seems to be some debate.
So, who would you pick? We asked, you answered.
Want to take part in Sunday Census polls? We send them out every week on our Twitter at @wincolumnCGY. Follow along or send in ideas for the next poll!
Who do the Flames draft first overall?
We presented the poll below to our readers.
Some have questioned Gavin McKenna’s status as the #1 pick in the 2026 draft.
If the #Flames manage to get the top pick, who would you select?
— The Win Column (@wincolumnCGY) December 13, 2025
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Gavin McKenna
Looks like most of our readers still want McKenna, and it’s not super surprising. McKenna has still had a very good showing in the NCAA, as he has put up four goals and 18 points in 16 games. The problem, though, is that many people expected him to produce even more. After dominating the WHL for two years in a row, many expected them to be almost as dominant in the NCAA.
The reality is that the NCAA is a much tougher league than the WHL. McKenna is 17 years old, and he is playing against players in their 20s. To be over a point per game at 17 is very impressive, and this is with McKenna still adjusting to the league. At the end of the day, you don’t put up 244 points in 133 games in the WHL by accident.
Ivar Stenberg
Ivar Stenberg has been incredible this year. He currently sits just under a point per game in the SHL, with 24 points in 25 games. This is incredible production from a first-year draft-eligible player. Stenberg is playing against grown men, and to even be in the SHL alone is very impressive, let alone to be flirting with a point per game. He is on track to beat Daniel Sedin’s record for points by an 18-year-old in the SHL. Stenberg is a dynamic player with elite talent, two things the Flames desperately need.
Tynan Lawrence
Tynan Lawrence has been tearing up the USHL so far. He has only played eight games, yet he has produced eight goals and 13 points. He is also a centre, which is something the Flames have been looking for for an eternity. As of now, it is likely that Lawrence is drafted in the middle of the top 10. However, things can quickly change if he continues this pace of production. Do the Flames prioritize their positional need and take the player with the potential of being an elite centre in the NHL?
Keaton Verhoeff
The Flames have many young, talented defencemen in their system, but Keaton Verhoeff has the skill that would make him the Flames’ top defensive prospect. He has 11 points in 16 games in the NCAA as a 17-year-old defenceman, clearly showing to the world that he is the best defenceman available in this draft. He likely goes in the top three of the draft, and it is definitely warranted.
The Flames would rather have a forward than a defenceman, but imagine Zayne Parekh and Verhoeff on the backend. That would be a defensive duo that would contend for one of the best in a couple of years.
Lots of talent
Only time will tell which of these four players has the best career, but as of now, any of these four would be fantastic additions for the Flames. If they can get any of these players, it will bring a big boost to their prospect system, their rebuild, and their chances of competing for a Stanley Cup in the future.
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