Calgary Flames' Draft Picks Shine in NHL

On April 18th, Craig Conroy took over as general manager of the Calgary Flames back in May 2023, and in his three years on the job.

He's made 24 draft picks, including five in the first round.

This past 2025-26 season, three of those first rounders got real NHL time, showing the early payoff from his scouting eye.

Sam Hanzek, Conroy's very first first round choice in 2023, finally got his shot with 18 games up top.

Injuries have dogged him hard, skate cuts, abdominal issues, facial stuff, and another upper body hit.

But he held his own as a shutdown winger next to.

Vets like my kale backlin' and Blake Coleman, notching two goals and two assists before another bump set him back.

Zayn Perrek, snapped up ninth overall in 2025, jumped straight to the league thanks to some junior transfer rules.

He hit some early walls with speed and physical play in 37 games, but dialed it in late, finishing with four goals and five assists after.

Stints at world juniors and in the A.H.O.

Motveg-Gridden, another 2025 pick, shocked by cracking opening night and tallied in his debut, then bounced between levels in three.

Call-ups for 37 games total.

The 19-year-old turned 20 midseason, lit it up with six goals and 14 assists, especially clicking on a line with Morgan Frost and Matt.

Coronado.

These young guns are building momentum for the flames rebuilt, with Hanzek eyeing more offense this summer and the others proving they belong.

Conroy's draft class is starting to click at the pro level.

That's your update from Calgary Flames News today, powered by AI.