Flames prez Don Maloney delivers blunt message amid Gavin McKenna tank buzz: “This isn’t fantasy hockey”

The Calgary Flames have struggled this season and are last in the NHL with a 6-13-3 record. They have not found consistency since the season started. Their offense ranks near the bottom at 2.27 goals per game. Additionally, they allow more than three goals per game, showing clear issues in defense. Close losses and limited scoring depth have pushed them far behind in the Pacific Division.

Because of this, some fans have talked about the team aiming for a high draft pick. And there is no better opportunity than the 2026 draft, which includes top prospect Gavin McKenna. But Flames president Don Maloney does not want that idea to spread. In an interview with Sportsnet, he was direct when asked about leaning into the early losses.

"In a fantasy world, yeah," Maloney said. "Unfortunately, this isn't fantasy hockey. There’s not even agreement anymore McKenna is going first. There’s very few franchise players in every draft."

Maloney added that the team’s focus is not on draft position, saying,

"Regardless of where we pick — one, five, 10, our hope is that we get a top-level player, and that's not our focus at all."

McKenna has been a top prospect for years and has scored 244 points in 133 WHL games. He also had 129 points last season and helped Medicine Hat reach the Memorial Cup final. Following in standout year in WHL, he moved to Penn State for stronger competition.

Flames might avoid tanking because of Gavin McKenna's 5-on-5 play in NCAA

Gavin McKenna's NCAA results have been solid but not dominant, a point that could factor in the Calgary Flames' decision. He has 16 points in 15 games. He has just one game-winning goal, and most of his points have come on the power play.

Analysts say McKenna needs to improve his defense and his 5-on-5 play. They note he can be pushed around by stronger players.

"Scoring on the power play is certainly a skill, but it’s a bit of a specialized skill," Tony Ferrari wrote in his The Hockey News column. "It’s best when it’s added on top of a well-versed 5-on-5 skill set."

Still, McKenna has high-end skills. His passing, vision, and puckhandling stand out. He may not be a generational player like Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid. He could still become an elite offensive talent similar to Patrick Kane or Mitch Marner.

McKenna's skill makes him a strong candidate to be drafted early in the 2026 NHL draft. So, Maloney’s message is simple because the Flames want to win games, not chase lottery odds.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar