Brayden Pachal

Pachal had trouble maintaining a place in the lineup in 2025-26, earning just one goal, six assists, 29 shots on net, 47 PIM, 89 hits and 40 blocked shots over 39 appearances. It's not particularly encouraging that three of those points came in one game in April. He's a no-nonsense defenseman who can handle bottom-four minutes and will likely be looked to for grit and leadership as the Flames' defensive prospects develop in the coming years. Pachal has never had more than 12 points in a season, and while he can pile up hits, PIM and blocks, he's not the type of player fantasy managers need to turn to when filling out the bench spots. Read Past Outlooks