Flames Evaluate Suniev and Blue Line Before Opening Night
Calgary is sorting through final roster decisions before opening night, with 21-year-old winger Aydar Suniev forcing consideration after a strong exhibition run. The Flames must choose between giving Suniev an NHL trial or keeping him in the AHL for more development. On defense, Calgary sent Hunter Brzustewicz and Mike Benning to the AHL and has largely settled its top six.
Calgary’s camp has narrowed to a few meaningful calls. Aydar Suniev, a 21-year-old winger selected in the third round in 2023, made a strong exhibition case with his shot and board work. The Flames must decide whether a top-nine NHL look or heavier AHL minutes best serves him after his minor-league adjustment last season.
On defence, Calgary assigned Hunter Brzustewicz and Mike Benning to the Calgary Wranglers. Benning had logged significant late-preseason minutes, but the club chose defensive reliability for its bottom pairing. With the top six mostly settled, attention turns to special teams and puck retrieval. Jonathan Huberdeau’s hip issue will keep him out until mid-October, opening about 18 minutes nightly and a top power-play role.
The decisions could shape how fans experience the start of Calgary’s season, especially if Suniev earns a role or Huberdeau’s absence tests forward depth. AHL assignments may affect Wranglers supporters and the players’ development trajectories. A strong opening stretch may lift local interest and game-day spending, while early struggles could increase scrutiny on management. These effects remain uncertain and depend on performance.