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Calgary Flames take American centreman with 30th overall selection

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Jun 27 2026, 2:51 am
Calgary Flames take American centreman with 30th overall selection
USHL

The Calgary Flames were able to add another great prospect to an already incredible pipeline late Friday night.

Just a short time after selecting defenceman Carson Carels sixth overall, the Flames took centreman Jack Hextall with the 30th overall selection.

“I think they’re going to get a competitive player, smart player, and I’m going to do everything I can for the team to win,” Hextall said just moments after his name was called.

Hextall, 18, scored 20 goals and 58 points in 59 games with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms this past season. It was a big jumpfrom his rookie season where he had just eight goals and 34 points.

Hextall isn’t expected to be a massive offensive producer in the NHL, but is a player who can play up and down the lineup. The right-shot centre is widely regarded for his competitiveness and playmaking ability. He recently committed to Michigan State, whom he will suit up for this coming season.

Hextall comes from a hockey family. His father, Cory, spent four seasons playing with the University of Illinois-Chicago. His dad also happens to be cousins with Ron, who enjoyed a 608-game NHL career, the vast majority of which was spent with the Philadelphia Flyers.

This pick is a great organizational fit for the Flames, who are lacking depth down the middle of the ice. They did their best to address that in last year’s draft as well, using both of their first round picks on centres in Cole Reschny and Cullen Potter.

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