The trade sees the Eagles receive forward Dawson Stairs, a first round pick in 2023, and a second round pick in 2023. The Sea Dogs also swapped draft picks with a sixth round pick in 2022 (SHE) going to Cape Breton in exchange for a sixth round pick in 2021 (QUE).
Calgary drafted Francis in the fifth round (143rd overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.
"He brings a lot of skill and is a very dynamic player that is a proven point producer," Flames general manager Brad Treliving said. "You can never have enough skill and he not only is strong in the offensive zone but very good defensively.
"He plays at a very competitive level which you love to see in young players and thinks the game very intelligently, always seeming to be a step ahead when the puck is on his stick."
Francis joins his fellow Flames prospect and 2020 draftee Jérémie Poirier in Saint John. Poirier, a defenceman, was Calgary's third round selection last fall and has 16 points through 15 games this season.
As per the team's website, Francis will join the Sea Dogs following his required 14-day isolation.
