POTENTIAL LATER ROUND GEMS - DEFENCEMEN

In addition to their first-round pick, 19th overall, the Flames own picks in the following rounds of the 2020 NHL Draft:
Second Round: 50th overall
Third Round: 72nd overall, 80th overall
Fourth Round:96th overall
Fifth Round: 143rd overall
Sixth Round:174th overall
With this in mind, CalgaryFlames.com's Torie Peterson has profiled 6 defencemen who may be available outside of the first round and could end up being potential diamonds in the rough:

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Wyatt Kaiser - LHD - Andover Huskies (USHS-MN)

Height:5'11 Weight: 170 lbs. Birthplace: Ham Lake, Minnesota
Absolutely dominant in high school with 34 points in 25 games in 2019-20, Kaiser earned time in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints last season, posting three points in 11 appearances. While his game can be classified as raw, he's got quite a few high-end attributes that could lead to a productive pro career. His skating is strong, with Kaiser hitting top speed within his first few strides, and he's got excellent positioning and gap control. Moreover, he doesn't shy away from physical play and one-on-one battles. The Minnesota native has committed to Minnesota-Duluth.
Photo courtesy of the Andover Huskies

Šimon Kubíček - RHD - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Height:6'2 Weight: 205 lbs. Birthplace: Jindrichuv Hradec, Czech Republic
While Kubíček isn't the flashiest defender in this year's draft class, he's developed a strong offensive game that will serve him well at the next level. With a hard, accurate slap shot and the ability to get pucks through traffic, he's been able to refine his offensive play with the Thunderbirds and ended up tallying 27 points in 52 games in 2019-20. Kubíček has been particularly effective on the powerplay thanks to that point shot and his positional awareness, finding his teammates with the puck while on the cycle. He plays with an edge and is more than willing to throw a hit and collide with opponents in front of the net.
Photo by Getty Images

Albert Lyckåsen - RHD - Linköping HC J20 (SuperElit)

Height:5'11 Weight: 187 lbs. Birthplace: Bålsta, Sweden
Skating is Lyckåsen's calling card and he is not afraid to leap up into the rush and try to create a play or generate offence. While he is still learning when to pick his spots in this regard, his confidence and willingness to help push the puck into the offensive zone has paid off for Linköping on many occasions. In 43 games in 2019-20, he picked up 14 goals and 36 points with a plus-15 rating. In addition, he played four games with Sweden's U19 squad, posting nine points in that span. His play in his own zone is a work in progress but with an active stick and a knack for positioning, this area of his game continues to develop. The defender is slated to play for HC Vita Hästen in the HockeyAllsvenskan league in 2020-21.
Photo courtesy of

Kasper Puutio - RHD - Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Height:6'0 Weight: 185 lbs. Birthplace: Vaasa, Finland
Puutio can best be described as reliable. No matter the situation, he has a calming presence when he's on the ice thanks to his poise and sound positioning. He's strong on his skates, playing a two-way game and acting as a puck-mover for Everett, which should allow him to flourish at the next level. At 5-foot-11, he's on the smaller size for a defender but his intelligent, efficient style of play has made him extremely effective despite his stature. Through 56 WHL games in 2019-20, he managed five goals and 28 points with time split between the Swift Current Broncos and Everett Silvertips.
Photo by Getty Images

Ruben Rafkin - RHD - Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Height:6'0 Weight: 190 lbs. Birthplace: Turku, Finland
After spending his first season in North America with the USHL's Tri-City Storm, Rafkin transitioned to the OHL in 2019-20, suiting up for the Windsor Spitfires. He had an immediate impact with the club, putting up 31 points in 59 skates, thanks to his athleticism and skating ability. He's extremely mobile and is able to move the puck into transition quickly, breaking out of his zone with ease. His first pass is one of his best attributes, with Rafkin reading and processing the play quickly and finding open passing lanes on the fly. Listed at 6-feet and 190-lbs., he has the frame to develop more of an edge and physical presence.
Photo by Getty Images

Jack Thompson - RHD - Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Height:6'1 Weight: 172 lbs. Birthplace: Courtice, Ontario
Thompson plays a strong two-way game that will lend itself well as he progresses throughout his career. Blessed with mobility and agility, he's a confident skater that won't hesitate to join the rush or lead his team through the neutral zone once he has the puck on his stick. He isn't shy about shooting, either, and his 13 goals in 2019-20 are a testament to that. Thanks to his skating and passing, he has the potential to be a first-unit powerplay contributor at the pro level. In his own zone, he's a battler and is more than willing to block shots and disrupt the forecheck.
Photo by Getty Images
More information on Calgary's 2020 NHL Draft selections
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Potential Later Round Gems - Goaltenders