Hunter Laing’s rights held by the Calgary Flames were left to expire June 1st, meaning he will reenter the NHL draft.

Laing’s production has ticked up in his D+2 season, posting 54 points in 59 games with WHL Saskatoon – a modest improvement on last year that fits the projection of a big man still adapting to his frame. At 6-5 and 205 lbs, the physical tools are obvious, and the assessment from last summer noted that players of his size often need a few extra years to fully harness their body. The concern is his even plus-minus, which suggests he is giving up as much as he is creating – not a projectable trait at higher levels. The CHL’s declining defensive quality makes his numbers harder to evaluate with confidence. A long-term project for Calgary; an extended stint in college may serve his development better than an immediate AHL assignment.

Laing’s numbers in his 19-year-old junior season picked up a little after his mid-year trade to Saskatoon. He’s 6-5, 205 pounds so don’t be surprised if, at age 20, he bulldozes through the 16- and 17-year-olds enroute to putting up big numbers in the year ahead. If he uses that size more to his advantage, he could turn into something. Big men like Laing tend to takes a few extra years to adapt to their new body, considering he probably grew several inches in a matter of a couple of years. –

The Calgary Flames drafted Laing in the sixth round (170th overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.