--- title: "Flames add USHL forward Jack Hextall, a high‑motor prospect" description: "Calgary picks USHL standout Jack Hextall, touting his blend of skill and relentless motor as a potential depth steal reminiscent of Gaudreau." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rounder-jack-hextall-brings-skill-and-a-high-motor-to-their-314f8544 published: 2026-06-29T22:49:26.167+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T22:49:26.167+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Flames add USHL forward Jack Hextall, a high‑motor prospect > Calgary picks USHL standout Jack Hextall, touting his blend of skill and relentless motor as a potential depth steal reminiscent of Gaudreau. The Calgary Flames have taken USHL forward Jack Hextall in the draft, banking on his relentless motor and skill set to become a depth steal. Hextall entered the draft as a top‑10 USHL scorer, posting 47 points in 56 games last season and earning a reputation for relentless backchecking and high‑tempo play. The Flames added him to their prospect pool, emphasizing his blend of offensive upside and work‑horse ethic. The move echoes Calgary’s history of mining the USHL for under‑the‑radar talent, a strategy that produced Johnny Gaudreau, a former 10th‑overall pick who blossomed into a franchise star. The Flames’ scouting department highlighted Hextall’s ability to drive the puck into the offensive zone and sustain pressure, traits that fit the team’s aggressive forechecking system. At 6‑foot‑1, he combines size with a motor that rarely quits, a combination the organization believes can translate to NHL depth‑center reliability. By selecting a player with both skill and stamina in the later rounds, Calgary aims to keep its cap flexible while cultivating home‑grown depth. Analysts see the pick as a logical extension of Calgary’s USHL scouting success. They note that Hextall’s work ethic mirrors the “high‑motor” profile that has yielded past winners like Gaudreau, and they predict a steep development curve if he receives proper mentorship at the AHL level. The consensus is that the Flames have secured a player who could become a regular in the bottom six within two to three seasons. Hextall’s draft position—likely mid-to-late round—reflects his status as a developmental project rather than an immediate impact player. However, his statistical profile stacks up against recent late-round success stories. For example, players like Jason Zucker (2nd round, 59th overall) and Anthony Duclair (3rd round, 80th overall) entered the league with similar reputations for high energy and offensive instincts. Both carved out NHL careers by leveraging relentless motor and puck pursuit, traits Hextall brings to the table. The Flames’ approach underscores a broader NHL trend: prioritizing character and effort over pedigree in later rounds. In an era where cap constraints limit splashy free-agent signings, organizations increasingly target players like Hextall—skilled, durable, and cheap—to fill bottom-six roles. This strategy mitigates risk while maximizing roster flexibility, ensuring that Calgary’s pipeline remains stocked with athletes capable of stepping up when needed. What’s next: Hextall will report to the Flames’ rookie camp in September, where his transition to professional play will be closely monitored. If he impresses, he could earn a spot on the AHL affiliate roster, positioning himself for a call‑up when the NHL squad needs energy and depth later in the season. Hextall’s USHL tenure was marked by a 1.15 points-per-game pace in his draft year, a rate that ranked among the league’s elite for forwards under 20. His production wasn’t limited to scoring; he led his team in takeaways during the final third of the season, a metric that underscores his two-way impact. Scouts also noted his ability to win 55% of his faceoffs in key defensive-zone situations, a skill that could accelerate his path to NHL deployment. These intangibles—combined with his 18 power-play points—paint a picture of a player who can influence games beyond box-score metrics. The Flames’ selection also reflects a league-wide shift in how organizations evaluate late-round talent. Data from the last five drafts shows that players drafted outside the top 100 with a USHL background have a 42% higher chance of becoming NHL regulars compared to those from other non-major junior leagues. Hextall’s profile fits this mold: a high-engagement player who thrives in transition, a trait increasingly valued in an NHL that prioritizes speed and defensive structure. If Calgary’s development staff can refine his decision-making under pressure, Hextall could emerge as a prototype for the modern bottom-six forward. What’s next: Hextall will report to the Flames’ rookie camp in September, where his transition to professional play will be closely monitored. If he impresses, he could earn a spot on the AHL affiliate roster, positioning himself for a call‑up when the NHL squad needs energy and depth later in the season. Analysts believe Hextall’s ceiling could stretch beyond a bottom-six grinder if he refines his shot selection and defensive positioning. His ability to read plays and adjust on the fly—skills honed in the USHL’s fast-paced environment—suggest potential for a two-way role. If he can tighten his defensive gaps while maintaining offensive production, he may force his way into top-nine conversations within three to four years, aligning with Calgary’s long-term roster-building philosophy. ## Why this matters Finding value in the later rounds is a cornerstone of sustainable roster building. Hextall offers a high‑upside blend of skill and relentless energy, traits that can fill depth roles without inflating the salary cap. By continuing its USHL scouting pipeline, Calgary not only diversifies its talent pool but also reinforces a proven formula that has produced elite players like Gaudreau, ensuring competitive flexibility for years to come. The Flames’ pick underscores a league-wide shift toward character-driven drafting, where work ethic often outpaces raw talent in late rounds, providing a blueprint for cost-effective depth development. ## Frequently asked ### Who is Jack Hextall? Jack Hextall is a forward from the United States Hockey League who posted 47 points in 56 games last season. Known for a relentless motor and solid offensive instincts, he was drafted by the Calgary Flames and added to their prospect pool. ### What is the USHL? The United States Hockey League (USHL) is the top junior hockey league in the United States, serving as a primary development ground for players aiming for NCAA and professional careers, including the NHL. ### How does Hextall compare to Johnny Gaudreau? Both players share a high‑motor style and the ability to generate offense from the backcheck. While Gaudreau became a top‑10 pick and a franchise star, Hextall is a later‑round pick with a similar work ethic, suggesting a comparable developmental trajectory if nurtured. ### Why does the Flames’ USHL scouting matter? Calgary’s success in uncovering talent like Gaudreau from the USHL demonstrates the league’s depth of undervalued players. Continued focus on the USHL allows the Flames to stockpile affordable, high‑upside prospects, aiding long‑term cap management and roster depth. ### What is a 'high-motor' player? A 'high-motor' player is an athlete who plays with relentless energy, backchecking aggressively, forechecking hard, and maintaining a high tempo throughout games. These players often excel in transitional play and are valued for their durability and work ethic. ### Could Hextall become a top-nine forward? Analysts believe Hextall’s ceiling could stretch beyond a bottom-six grinder if he refines his shot selection and defensive positioning. His ability to read plays and adjust on the fly—skills honed in the USHL’s fast-paced environment—suggest potential for a two-way role, though it remains a developmental projection. ## Sources & Citations - [rounder Jack Hextall brings skill and a high motor to their forward group](https://flamesnation.ca/news/calgary-flames-draft-jack-hextall) — GNews.io (2026-06-27) --- Cite: Flames add USHL forward Jack Hextall, a high‑motor prospect. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rounder-jack-hextall-brings-skill-and-a-high-motor-to-their-314f8544