Former Flames 1st Round Pick Retires At Age 27

What has now become the infamous draft of 2013 for the Calgary Flames, the third first round draft choice by the team, Morgan Klimchuk, has retired from playing hockey at only age 27.

Klimchuk never lived up to his potential as a first round pick and only played one NHL game in his career back in 2017-18. He was a career AHL player that spent three and a half seasons with the Flames' AHL team, the Stockton Heat, before spending some time with the Toronto Marlies and Belleville Senators to wrap up his career. He last played in 2019-20 in the Senators organization.

He was a very good junior player who put up over a point per game in his final three seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL), a reason for getting him drafted 28th overall. He was also a solid AHL player for a couple of seasons and never reached the point where he could make the jump to become an NHLer.

Klimchuk will head back to the WHL, this time as an assistant coach for the Victoria Royals. Not long removed from the game, he will be able to connect and relate to the players easier, especially at his young age. Best of luck to him as he starts his coaching career.

Photo credit: © Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports