Reschny is the most complete player in Calgary’s forward pipeline and the one with the highest floor. He led all NCHC freshmen in points this season at North Dakota, and the World Juniors appearance only strengthened the case – he was a go-to on the power play by the medal round and projects as a featured player on next year’s squad. The profile is a cerebral, two-way center who links zones, wins battles below the dots, and creates offense through positioning and patience rather than speed. That last word is where the dynasty ceiling conversation gets complicated. Multiple evaluators have flagged that his top-end foot speed is average, and the 5-11 frame means he’ll need to beat NHL players with his mind rather than his legs at the next level. An Anton Lundell comparison is fair stylistically – and Lundell has carved out a real NHL role – but Lundell also had more physical presence than Reschny currently projects. In fantasy, the assist-heavy production discounts slightly versus Potter’s goal rate, but the two-way upside and faceoff projection make him the safer long-term hold of the two.

Calgary gets a cerebral, meticulous playmaker in Cole Reschny with their first selection in the first round. Reschny scored 26 goals and posted 66 assists for 92 points in 62 WHL games. He is a subtle force driving play, opportunistic in the way he constantly facilitates in tight spaces. Due to his intelligent and skilled play, Reschny is a reliable defensive forward despite his 5-11 frame. He provides positive value on both special teams. Reschny has committed to the University of North Dakota of the NCAA for the 2025–26 season and should get a chance to challenge himself further – this time against men.

Selected 18th overall, Cole Reschny is now a member of the Calgary Flames.

Reschny, along with teammate and projected top 2026 prospect Keaton Verhoeff, has committed to the University of North Dakota for 2025/26

One of the flashiest players in this draft, Cole Reschny has had a couple of eye-popping scoring streaks that have constantly kept him as one of the top point producers in the WHL. Despite this, Reschny is still a fairly streaky player who can go from hot to cold in games. Reschny has been trusted upon in multiple situations for Victoria, capable as a PP and PK option. His most positive asset is his playmaking ability. Reschny is a smart and aware passer with strong pass accuracy who impresses with his high scanning habits and ability to create in tight spaces.

Cole Reschny is a highly skilled 5-10 centre who has put together a solid WHL career so far with his playmaking, offensive instincts, and motor. While he’s not the strongest player physically, Reschny is effective at driving play on-puck, with a mechanically-sound skating base, smooth hands, and the ability to manufacture offence for both himself and his Victoria teammates. Reschny’s offensive game revolves around finesse, passing ability, and vision. His strong lower half allows him to create off the cycle and spin off contact down low. He’s displayed a great motor in all 3 zones, but the overall strength is concerning to his projectability. As his size suggests, he loses a big share of physical battles along the boards and isn’t reliable in defensive situations. Still, Reschny possesses top-six upside due to his offensive involvement and play driving tendencies. He could become a solid complementary scorer at the next level, similar to players like Seth Jarvis or Jordan Eberle. Strength development and defensive maturity will be crucial for his development.–

Final Rankings – Cole Reschny ended his draft year in roaring fashion, dominating both the WHL playoffs with Victoria and the U18s with Team Canada. The centre makes up for his lack of size with scoring instincts and intensity in his approach. He’ll be at NCAA North Dakota in the fall, a great move for his development.—Whittaker Heart

For a player who is not very big, Reschny does show some chops as a physical asset. He is willing to play dirty for pucks and can be a rough forechecker. He’s also quite mentally aware in his own end but can be a bit too focused on puck watching. He looks more of a boom-or-bust player than fellow undersized B-tier prospects Potter & Kindel, and he doesn’t have the same high-end toolkit the other two possess although he’s a bit more detailed oriented. He has the tools but lacks a standout trait. –