Flames Sign Top Defensive Prospect Axel Hurtig

0:00It's April 1st, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Calgary Flames News today, AI-powered updates on your squad. Calgary Flames just inked a deal with one of their top defensive prospects, Axel Hurtick, the captain of the Calgary Hitman. This three-year entry-level contract carries an average annual value of $990,000 and kicks in for the 2026. Hurtick hails from Sweden, a 6-foot-4, 217-pound left-shot defender, born in 2005. The Flames grabbed him in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL draft after he helped Sweden snag silver at the Under-18 World Championships. What stands out is his old-school shutdown game, smart positioning, physical edge, and keeping opponents away from the net. For two seasons with the Hitman, he posted 35 points total but racked up a plus 60 rating, bringing stability to a turnover heavy blue. Line. He's only been playing North American hockey for two years, yet he adapted fast, earned

1:03captaincy, and impressed at training camp. This signing adds that missing snarl and size to a Flames pipeline full of speedy puck movers. Meanwhile, Hurtick still leading the Hitman and the WHO playoffs with a three-nothing edge over Brandon Eyes on him, turning pro next year.