Think back to the 2016 NHL Draft. The Flames, coming off of a very disappointing season, were in line to pick sixth overall. Though there were rumours that the pick may be traded for Ben Bishop, they ultimately ended up keeping it, making Matthew Tkachuk one of their highest picks in franchise history.
It’s worked out pretty well so far.
Recall that, in 2016, the Flames were extremely close to winning the draft lottery. Finishing with the fifth worst record in the league gave them a pretty good chance, but it was the team with the sixth worst record – the Jets – that ended up winning the second overall pick.