The 2026 NHL Draft brings together the next generation of hockey stars as all 32 franchises look to shape their futures.
From elite prospects expected to go in the first round to under-the-radar talents with breakout potential, the draft is one of the league's most exciting offseason events.
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Follow every selection, trade, and surprise as teams build for tomorrow and young players take the first step toward realizing their NHL dreams on hockey's biggest stage.
Here's FloHockey's Chris Peters' analysis on the Calgary Flames taking Carson Carels with the No. 6 overall pick.
No. 6 Calgary Flames Select Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars
Scouting Report
Perhaps the most complete defenseman of this class, Carels does a little bit of everything topped off with high-end skating and mobility. While he may not have the most skill of the available defensemen, he still produced 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games in the WHL this year. On top of that, he plays a physical brand of defense that makes him difficult to play against.
Carels has a high level of hockey sense on top of it all. He is committed to go to North Dakota next season, which has been a factory of NHL defenseman for decades, which should provide a good finishing school for him. One thing to note, however, is Carels was unable to test at the NHL Scouting Combine due to a lingering upper-body injury.
Projection:
- Top Four Defenseman
NHL Comparison:
- Charlie McAvoy
STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM 🚜
— NHL (@NHL) June 27, 2026
The @NHLFlames have selected Carson Carels at sixth overall! #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/DIFzRulOq5
How To Watch 2026 NHL Draft Show With The Athletic Live On FloHockey
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FINAL NHL DRAFT RANKINGS!@chrismpeters has his final ranking for the 2026 NHL Draft featuring 75 players. See who made the list! https://t.co/R1ySGVbNEx@OHLHockey | @QMJHL | @LHJMQ | @USHL | @SHLse #nhldraft #ohl #qmjhl #ushl #shl pic.twitter.com/9rYqBfrxbQ
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) June 15, 2026
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The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL, minor-league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
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