With the first-round pick from the Florida Panthers now confirmed at No. 32, the Calgary Flames are poised to benefit from the final piece of their Matthew Tkachuk trade. That trade, made in July 2022, saw Calgary send Tkachuk to Florida in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a conditional first-round pick.
With Florida securing consecutive Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, conditions for Calgary’s pick have been met, granting them two first-round selections in 2025: Nos. 18 and 32.
How the Flames Landed Two First‑Round Picks
Calgary didn’t hesitate when Florida’s second-round pick fell into place. Their own pick (No. 16) went to Montreal as part of another deal, but the Tkachuk trade brought them two valuable first-round spots.
Those selections of 18th overall (via New Jersey Devils) and 32nd (via Florida), alongside their second- and third-rounders, plus ample salary-cap flexibility, give the Flames a strong platform to rebuild.
The @NHL announced the current order of selection for the 2025 Upper Deck #NHLDraft at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Round 1 takes place Friday (7 p.m. ET on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, @TVASports).
Details: https://t.co/TLJ5fnEO7m pic.twitter.com/IlMSnoV37Q
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) June 23, 2025
With a little over $25 million in cap space and four picks in the top three rounds, Calgary is aiming to add impact talent and take a significant step forward.
Florida, by contrast, has reaped short‑term rewards. Their approach of high‑profile trades and calculated asset deployment has delivered postseason glory. Calgary, meanwhile, hopes the draft picks they gained can help begin their own ascent.
Now that the Panthers’ Stanley Cup win has sealed Calgary’s additional pick, the Flames can focus on the 2025 NHL Draft, scheduled for June 27-28 in Los Angeles. They hold the following:
- 1st overall: 18 (from New Jersey), 32 (from Florida).
- 2nd round: 54 (from Colorado via Washington).
- 3rd round: 80.
- Plus picks in rounds 5, 6, and 7.
This fresh cache of selections, with no dangling conditions, provides flexibility and clarity for Calgary general manager Craig Conroy and his staff.
How Matthew Tkachuk Trade Could Shape Flames’ Future in NHL Draft
The Flames have a critical opportunity to bolster their prospect pool at the 2025 NHL Draft.
ESPN’s latest mock draft has Calgary selecting William Moore, a skilled forward from the USNTDP. Moore is known for his smooth skating, high-end puck skills, and offensive vision. While his development has plateaued recently, scouts believe the NTDP’s structured system may have limited his creativity.
At his best, Moore combines finesse and strength, using slick hands in tight areas and strong puck protection along the boards. If he can add some physical strength and consistency without the puck, then he could grow into a reliable second-line contributor.
Meanwhile, The Athletic has projected that Calgary will take Vaclav Nestrasil, a right winger from Muskegon in the USHL. Nestrasil brings a strong shot, size, and offensive instincts. Scouts like his ability to create space and potential as a power forward with the right development path.
Whether the Flames choose a playmaker like Moore or a power winger like Nestrasil, the extra pick from the Tkachuk deal offers real potential to add depth and future impact to the organization.
