The Calgary Flames have selected center Cole Reschny with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The draft took place on Friday night at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Reschny played for the Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League (WHL). During the past season, he scored 26 goals and had 66 assists, totaling 92 points in 62 games. He led the Royals in scoring and was sixth in the WHL for assists. In 11 playoff games, Reschny scored nine goals and had 25 points.
Internationally, Reschny has represented Canada, winning gold medals at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship. He was also named one of the top three players on the Canadian team at the Under-18 World Championship.
Before being drafted, NHL Central Scouting ranked Reschny as the 25th-best North American skater. Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis ranked him as the 16th overall prospect.
Reschny is committed to playing for the University of North Dakota in the 2025-26 season.
Scouting Report
Cole Reschny is considered one of the best playmakers in the draft class, with exceptional hockey IQ and the ability to find open teammates. He uses his speed to create scoring opportunities. While he may need to shoot more, his skating, vision, and instincts are strong.
Reschny's ability to produce in various situations makes him an intriguing prospect. He is known for his explosive speed and elusiveness. He plays a reliable three-zone game and contributes in playoff and elimination games.
Some scouts have noted that Reschny's first few steps could use improvement, but his overall skating is good. He has quick hands and is strong on his skates. He protects the puck well and is effective in board battles.
Overall, Reschny projects as a versatile, two-way forward with the potential to play in a top-six role in the NHL. His strengths include hockey IQ, puck skills, and a well-rounded game. He demonstrates awareness in all three zones, making smart decisions with and without the puck. Reschny is a creative passer, setting up teammates for scoring chances. He also has a deceptive shot and can score in various ways.
Going into the draft, some believed Reschny might be a "steal" at pick 18.
The pick used to select Reschny originally belonged to the New Jersey Devils. Calgary acquired the pick in the trade that sent Jacob Markstrom to New Jersey. The Flames also have the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 draft, which they acquired from the Florida Panthers.
