The reactions were mixed when the Calgary Flames selected Samuel Honzek 16th overall in the 2023 draft. While some draft insiders anticipated him being picked later in the first round, few expected the Slovakian forward to go as early as 16th. This made the Flames’ decision even more intriguing, particularly since it marked Craig Conroy’s first draft as the team’s general manager.
Honzek’s 2023–24 season was riddled with bad injury luck. He only played 33 games with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants but scored 31 points. Still, there was skepticism about whether or not he could live up to his draft position and if his health would remain in check.
Honzek’s performance at the Young Stars Classic in Penticton this year was just an introduction to how he would come to training camp. The 19-year-old has recorded a league-leading seven points in the preseason and has earned playing time with many of the Flames’ veteran players.
After witnessing his preseason performance, I can safely say that his critics have gone quiet. I’ll admit I was one of those critics, and now I’m not. His impression among Flames fans has completely changed for the better, and it’s pretty encouraging to see.
Honzek is proving his worth to the Flames
Based on what they’ve seen from Honzek in camp, the Flames must be quite happy. Honzek’s strong play has been a pleasant surprise for many, including head coach Ryan Huska:
“I know after last year everybody was talking about ‘oh geez where is this Honzek guy and is he going to be a player?’ Well, he is a player. He’s a pretty good player. We’re pretty excited about where’s he at right now.”
That’s a pretty encouraging thing to hear if you’re Honzek. Throughout the preseason, Honzek’s play has shown that his confidence level is arguably the highest it’s ever been. The fact that he’s still playing games this late into the preseason has turned many fans’ heads, and the team could reward him for his efforts.
Honzek is expected to play with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers this season. It’s the next step in his development, and if he continues to play in the AHL like he’s playing now, he could potentially put up some serious numbers.
You have to feel great for the kid. Just a short while ago, he was the subject of disappointment and worry, but now he is a bright spot within the youth movement. An intriguing question is whether the Flames will develop him as a centre. The Flames lack talent down the middle, and Honzek was drafted with the expectation that he could grow into a solid centre for the club. Time will tell.
Should the Flames reward Honzek with NHL games?
This has been a recent topic of discussion for many Flames fans. While it’s tempting to reward younger players, many forget that, in Honzek’s case, his experience in professional hockey is non-existent. Honzek did get a small look in the AHL last year, playing two games, but spent the majority of the year injured.
It’s important to realize that for players like Honzek, it may be better to take the slow and steady approach. After all, he’s only 19, and his ceiling has just risen. Despite the positive signs, giving him NHL games this early may do more harm than good. Instead, the Flames should let him gain confidence in the AHL first, then take it from there.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see Honzek get a few call-ups if he performs well in the minors. Getting an NHL look would make sense—assuming he stays healthy—especially since more movement is expected within the Flames roster. Calgary shouldn’t rush him like any other prospect, but rather, they should let his play dictate when he’s ready.
