Who would say no to a six-pack? Read More
The Flames have an impressive stockpile of defence prospects. Which emerging blue-liners have the brightest futures with the organization?
The Flames have an impressive stockpile of defence prospects. Which emerging blue-liners have the brightest futures with the organization?
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Who would say no to a six-pack?
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As we’ve been power-ranking the Calgary Flames’ future pieces at other positions, we have limited each list to five.
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But the Flames have such an impressive stockpile of defence prospects that we figured we’d go a little deeper on this one. Besides, you dress a half-dozen rearguards for every game, ideally three left shots and three righties. For that reason, we’ve gone with that same split here.
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Left shots
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Noon News Roundup
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1. Kevin Bahl
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Age: 24
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How acquired: Arrived via trade from New Jersey Devils, along with a first-round pick in 2025 NHL Draft, in exchange for goaltender Jacob Markstrom
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Working in his favour: With his 6-foot-6 frame and extended-length Bauer, Bahl’s reach is approximately one city block. He ranked among the NHL’s leaders this season in stick checks.
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Still working on it: He doesn’t need to be looking for open-ice hits or picking fights, but if he could develop a bit more of a mean streak, it would be bad news for opponents.
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Big-league potential: He’s already established as a Top-4 fixture and a trusted penalty-killer.
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One of three Flames regulars to average north of 20 minutes a night this season, Bahl has cemented his status as an important presence both now and for the future. As he skates toward restricted free agency, it’s believed that general manager Craig Conroy is willing to go as long as five or six years on Bahl’s next contract. With the possibility that Rasmus Andersson could be traded, many have already tabbed his towering pal as the ideal partner for top prospect Zayne Parekh.
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2. Etienne Morin
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Age: 20
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How acquired: Selected in second round, No. 48 overall, of 2023 NHL Draft
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Working in his favour: Of the Flames’ junior-aged defence prospects, you could make a case that Morin’s game currently is the most mature and well-rounded.
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Still working on it: While he’s now riding some positive momentum, the next step is to prove he’s ready for the jump to pro.
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Big-league potential: Could he eventually be a fit for a Top-4 job?
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Several months ago, Morin would not have cracked this list. The Flames weren’t satisfied with his testing scores in the fall, which explains why he wasn’t tapped for a single exhibition appearance before he was reassigned to junior. They were, however, thrilled with the way that Morin responded to their challenge — both on the ice, where he piled up 81 points and posted a plus-43 rating in 85 total outings as a workhorse for the QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats, and in the weight room.