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UPDATED: Calgary Flames 2021 NHL Entry Draft Tracker

July 23, 2021, 9:38 PM ET [49 Comments]
John Gove
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
With all of the news bound to hit this weekend, it is best to put all of the draft weekend happenings in one place. This feed will provide you with everything you need to stay informed on Calgary's picks and moves throughout the weekend.

Round 1: Flames Select Matthew Coronato 13th-overall

With a plethora of quality options remaining on the board, Calgary elected to use their 13th-overall pick on forward Matthew Coronato of the USHL's Chicago Steel.

Playing a major role in Chicago's Clark Cup-winning run, Coronato recorded 48 goals and 37 assists in 51 regular-season games. Additionally, he posted nine and four assists in eight postseason contests.

Set to attend Harvard next season, Coronato ranks 16th on Elite Prospects consolidated rankings. EP's scouting report on Coronato reads as such:

His hands form the foundation of his offensive profile. He wants to have the puck on his stick and isn’t afraid to court contact to make sure he’s the one driving the bus for his line. He’s decisive, manipulative, and dextrous as a handler. He’s got a good shot for someone who is constantly throwing pucks on net, his release is fast and he’s versatile in how he gets pucks off. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide


My Take: I really like Coronato, and I'm interested to see if his USHL success transfers to the collegiate level (baby steps). However, I cannot help but think a few better options remained on the board when Calgary picked at 13. If it were up to me, I probably would have gone the route of Chaz Lucius. Still, Coronato is far from a poor pick. The fanbase will need to show some patience, as I believe he is a few years away from sniffing the NHL.

Round 2: The Flames select William Stromgren

With the 45th-overall pick, Calgary takes winger William Stromgren of the SHL. At 6'3", Stromgren scored 18 goals and added 33, playing at various levels in 2020-21.

His scouting report from EP reads:

"Strömgren is a winger with fast and powerful skating. Along with his great puck handling skills he can find creative solutions carrying the puck down the ice maneuvering through the defense. He is more of a shooter rather than a playmaker with a quick and accurate release but he also sees the ice very well to set up his teammates." (Erik Ohlsson, EP 2020)


Round 3: Flames select Cole Huckins & Cameron Whynot

With the 77th-overall pick, Calgary selected Cole Huckins, a center from Acadie-Bathurst of the QMJHL.

In 33 games this season, Huckins posted 14 goals and 18 assists. A 6'3", 201-pound forward, Huckins possesses quality puck-handling skills, as well as strong decision making.

After trading down to pick 89, the Flames went with Halifax Mooseheads defenseman, Cam Whynot. Aside from a fantastic last name, Whynot is an offensively gifted blueliner who saw a solid increase in his production this season. In 34 games this season, he posted six goals and 17 assists.

Round 5: Flames take defenseman Cole Jordan

So I'm not going to lie, I was really hoping Jack Bar fell to Calgary. Alas, Dallas took him a few picks before they could. Still, the Flames elected to address the defense, taking Cole Jordan from Moose Jaw.

A big-bodied blueliner, Jordan is not necessarily known for his offense. In 23 games this season, he posted three goals and seven assists. Interestingly, most scouting organizations ranked him in the 50 to 80 range with EP ranking him all the way at 36. Even though the pick wasn't Bar, Jordan could turn into a great pick in round five.

EP's scouting report reads as such:

"One of only four players in this guide to receive a skating grade of 7, Jordan’s stride is closer to perfection than average. On neutral zone regroups or unpressured retrievals, he always brings the puck to the inside first. With hesitation moves, fakes, and eye deception, he moves forecheckers, then hits his target in motion." -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide


Round 6: Calgary Takes Jack Beck & Lucas Ciona

I can always appreciate the four-letter first name & last name combo. With the 168th pick, the Flames selected Jack Beck of the Ottawa 67's.

Unfortunately, the left-winger did not get an opportunity this season. However, in his first season with Ottawa, he posted 19 points in 56 games. Not ranked by many outlets, Beck ranked 82nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

With pick 173, Calgary took Lucas Ciona, a big left winger from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.

In a bizarre season, Ciona played two games with Spruce Grove of the AJHL and 23 games with Seattle. He recorded four points with the Saints and 13 points with the Thunderbirds.

NHL Central Scouting ranked Ciona 151st among North American skaters.
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