VP Sports & Entertainment presents: Hitmen Captain Hurtig inks three-year, entry-level deal with Calgary Flames

Talk about a whirlwind 24 hours for Axel Hurtig.

Fresh off of assisting the game-winning goal in the Hitmen’s Game 3 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings, Hurtig has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames.

The Hitmen captain has logged six goals and 13 assists for 19 points and a +21 rating in 64 games in 2025-26.

He’s also picked up a goal and two assists in three games in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.

BIG AX!!! 🪓

AXEL HURTIG TIES THE GAME LATE IN THE THIRD!! 😱@WHLHitmen | @NHLFlames | #Flames | #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/sUCNrJAeF8

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) March 30, 2026

The Hitmen selected Hurtig in the first round of the 2023 CHL Import Draft, and the Flames called his name weeks later with the 208th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Hurtig made the jump to North America for the 2024-25 season, helping the Hitmen reach Game 7 of the second round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs.

The 6-foot-4, 217-pound left-shot defenceman has amassed 35 points (11G-24A) in 119 regular-season contests in addition to six points (2G-4A) in 14 postseason appearances.

The Hogas, Sweden product has also represented his country at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Hurtig and the Hitmen will try to complete a first-round sweep of the Wheat Kings on Thursday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m. CDT.

Fans can stream the 2026 WHL Playoffs for free on Victory+.