FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: In-depth look at the Flames right-wing position​on June 2, 2025 at 11:15 am

It’s all there in a short n’ sweet package, a shorthanded snipe from early March. It must have been the most dazzling of his 44 goals this season on behalf of the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, a count that includes eight playoff markers.

Gridin’s blazing speed is on display as he wins a race to a loose puck through the neutral zone. The Flames’ first-rounder hits the turbo button at his own blue-line and although an opponent is already nearing centre, he has soon smoked right past him.

His soft hands are on display as he capitalizes on this sudden breakaway. The Russian winger settles the puck and flicks his wrist to hoist a shot under the cross-bar from close range.

His confidence is on display as he cruises by the rival bench, raising his right glove as if he is expecting a round of congratulatory fist-bumps from his foes.

Fans in Calgary have been quick to fall in love with Gridin, a left-shot who has primarily played right wing as a junior. He just turned 19, so patience is required, but he has all the tools to become a fixture on the first or second line. His shot is already a weapon, but wait until he adds some more muscle to a 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame.

And it felt like he was only scratching the surface of what he can do as an NHLer. Selected 13th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Coronato was rewarded with a seven-year contract that will pay him $6.5 million US annually, securing his place as a core piece of the Flames’ future.

If there were question marks around Coronato last spring, they revolved entirely around how long it might take him to fully find his feet at the NHL level. Fortunately for the Flames, he appears to be a quick learner.

There were bigger questions about Klapka.

He had been good in the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers, but was completely unproven in the NHL. At 6-foot-8 and weighing in at 235 lbs., there was no debate about whether he had the size to compete, but we were still waiting to see if he could put it together and be a viable option on the right for the Flames long-term.

Measurements: 6-foot-2, 192 pounds

The skinny: There were a lot of smiles around Calgary when the Flames plucked Andrew Basha in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, and there would undoubtedly be a repeat if they pick another hometown hopeful in 2025. The smooth-skating Behm is an alum of Edge School and the Royals ‘AAA’ program. He made headlines by winning a national golf long-drive title last summer and scouts have been impressed with the velocity that he can fire a hockey puck, too. He is projected to be a second-rounder.

Hometown: Uppsala, Sweden

This season: 16 goals, 45 points in 53 games with the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s

Measurements: 5-foot-10, 166 pounds

The skinny: The World Under-18 Championship is one of the most important scouting showcases of the season, and Ekberg certainly didn’t waste his opportunity to make a positive impression. He won the tournament scoring title — and nabbed MVP honours, too — with 10 goals and 18 points in seven outings with Team Sweden. The Flames have had past success with mid-round swings on undersized forwards and because defence prospect Henry Mews played part of this season with the 67’s, the decision-makers at the Saddledome should be mighty familiar with Ekberg.

Still working on it: Gridin has a familiar checklist for a high-scoring prospect, including an emphasis on his away-from-the-puck details and defensive-zone duties.

Big-league potential: This could be a future first-liner.

Age: 21

How acquired: Selected in fourth round, No. 106 overall, of 2024 NHL Draft

Working in his favour: When Hoskin has the puck on his stick, good things tend to happen. He has a deadly release.

Still working on it: As he continues his climb, the challenge is to prove that the offence will translate.

Big-league potential: With a late bloomer like Hoskin, a guy who twice passed through the NHL Draft, it feels like it’s too soon to even try to predict.

Age: 20

How acquired: Selected in seventh round, No. 219 overall, of 2022 NHL Draft

Working in his favour: At 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds, Littler is already built like a big-leaguer. Puck protection is a strength.

Still working on it: Flames skating coach Danielle Fujita is hoping to add Littler to her list of success stories and he already has made improvements to his footwork.

Big-league potential: For a seventh-round long-shot, any NHL appearances count as a win.

For anyone looking for proof that the retool is heading in the right direction, the Flames’ newfound strength at right-wing should offer it.