Three takeaways: Suniev stars despite Flames' pre-season loss to Kraken

There are limited opportunities for young Calgary Flames to state their case for a spot on the NHL roster this pre-season.

Aydar Suniev seems intent on making it hard for the coaches to send him down to the AHL anyways. In the first of the Flames’ four tune-up games before the regular season gets underway, Suniev was his team’s best player. He scored twice and hit the post on another chance in the 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken.

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“It was awesome, I worked on my shot all summer and just the little things. I’m glad it’s paying off,” Suniev said post-game.

While the Flames’ opening night roster seems pretty set, head coach Ryan Huska has maintained that competition for spots is still open. A year ago, Matvei Gridin forced his way into the NHL mix with a strong training camp, while Sam Honzek managed the same in 2024.

The 21-year-old earned himself a six-game call-up at the end of last season and Sunday’s performance, combined with the lamp-lighter he recorded in the Next Gen Showcase earlier in the week, he’s now scored all three goals the Flames have managed this pre-season.

“Every year that Suni’s come back, there’s been a lot of growth in his game,” said Flames head coach Ryan Huska. “That’s what we’re excited about, he just seems like he keeps starting to understand the game a little bit better and he’s more of a man, if that makes sense. He’s maturing, both mentally and physically.”

For a team that struggled to score last season, it would seem like Suniev would be an obvious fit. The challenge will be finding a place for him.

The Flames have a lot of players under contract right now, and because Suniev is waiver exempt he’s a lot easier to send down to the AHL. Playing with the Wranglers certainly wouldn’t hurt him, but he’s making a compelling case for himself early in pre-season.

“He can shoot a puck, we know that,” Huska said. “When he gets opportunities it’s nice to see him have success. Three goals so far and he’s got all three, good on him.”

Along with Suniev, Huska listed Sam Honzek as the Flames’ best forward against the Kraken, and it’s not hard to see why.

The 23-year-old was all over the ice and did a nice job setting up Suniev’s opener.

After missing most of last season with a shoulder injury, it’s hugely encouraging to see the Slovak winger back and at his best.