Amid a first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft that featured celebrities, technical difficulties, and a very overworked, 73 year old Gary Bettman, the Calgary Flames quietly held on to their picks. They ended the night with two enticing prospects at the center position.
Fresh off watching the New York Islanders snatch up suffocating attacker Victor Eklund and the bruising charisma fountain that is defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson, Flames legend Lanny McDonald took to the stage to announce Calgary’s pick.
At 18th overall, Calgary selected center Cole Reschny of the Victoria Royals.
The Playmaker
The five-foot-ten Macklin, Saskatchewan product had a slow start in some aspects of his game. The points were there—Reschny was held off the scoresheet only 16 times in 62 games—but the presence was lacking on some nights. Simple plays were poorly managed and execution was lacking. Scouts would end the night not thinking much of his performance—but, oh, two or three points.
Concerns of poor execution were put to bed in the second half of the season, where Cole started taking over and his confidence began compounding on itself. By the time the playoffs arrived, Reschny had shot up draft lists. Despite finishing second in the Western Conference, the Royals weren’t expected to go far in the postseason. Much of their 11-game push was thanks to Reschny’s nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points to go with a +9 even strength goal differential.
Committed to the University of South Dakota along with teammate Keaton Verhoeff, the shifty pivot made the most of his final chapter in the WHL.
So, what is Reschny’s game? What can we expect to see once it’s time to make a push for the big team?
Despite being what some scouts call a “mighty mouse,” the 17 year old isn’t your classic high-end skater. His game is centered around smart passing, managing gaps, and executing at the right time. Reschny plays with sharp timing and, when confident, equals far above the sum of his toolset; a playmaker with a high hockey IQ who has top-six potential.
The Other Guy
For those who watched to the end, condolences. The first round seemed to drag on and on. Picking at #32, Flames fans who had started watching were compelled by faith and morbid curiosity of this year’s regrettable production choices to see it through.
The reward? Once again, Lanny took the stage. Not only to announce the pick, but also to offer words of encouragement to those who weren’t selected on Friday.
The pick? Cullen Potter, another center and a classic burner.
“Speed alone, hes fast, I mean fast, quick, electric,” said Flames general manager Craig Conroy of Potter’s game following the end of the first round. “He’s got high hockey sense. To be this young playing college hockey, it’s not easy.”
Speed and acceleration are two calling cards, but there’s a solid head on those shoulders. Some scouts project the five-foot-ten pivot to remain at his position as he translates to the pro game. Often a pitfall for centers in the CHL, eventually moving to wing isn’t expected.
“He may draw some comparisons to Oliver Moore since they’re both fast,” said independent scout Christian Lischer. “I like Potter better than I did Moore at the same age. Potter is smarter and has more talent.”
Potter scored 13 goals and added nine assists in 35 games playing for Arizona State University against older competition. Per Ryan Pike of Flames Nation, he was three years younger than any of his teammates on the Sun Devils last season.
Time will tell whether the two undersized forwards find their way to the NHL, but in terms of compelling draft selections? Craig Conroy is keeping fans on their heels.
Stats courtesy of the Western Hockey League, the NCAA and Puckpedia.
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Thanks Trevor!!!
Great info. I am really hoping they can improve Reshny’s skating. If they can, he might be a diamond in the rough.