When thinking about Calgary Flames prospects, many that come to mind at first are typically Zayne Parekh, Samuel Honzek, or Hunter Brzustewicz. The Flames have put together a pretty solid pool of prospects that all have decent potential to play NHL games. The only elite one is the already mentioned Parekh.
One prospect that goes under the radar for the Flames is Aydar Suniev. The Russian-born power forward is currently lighting it up, and not many seem to be talking.
Suniev’s journey to the Flames organization
Despite being born in Russia, Suniev has been in North America for a decent amount of time. He followed the path that one typically would in heading to the junior or college levels. Good stats at AAA and prep level, playing through many leagues.
Suniev got the call to the BCHL with the Penticton Vees in 2021–22. Splitting between four teams throughout the year, he had to fit somewhere. And with the Vees, it was. In 17 games, Suniev put up nine goals in 20 games before dropping off in the playoffs, with only four points in 10 games.
The next year was a big one, as it was Suniev’s draft year. He hadn’t followed the usual draftee career yet, so this season was highly important. Suniev did as much as he could and more. With 45 goals and 45 assists in 50 games for 90 points, Suniev lit up the BCHL with the Nadeau brothers and was in a position to get drafted. His playoffs even improved, with 23 points in 15 games this time around.
Obviously, Suniev went on to get drafted by the Flames inside the third round at 80th overall. The pick used on him made its way around the NHL. The Flames first traded it to the Seattle Kraken in the Calle Jarnkrok trade. The Kraken then used the pick to get Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Columbus Blue Jackets, who sent it to the New Jersey Devils for Damon Severson’s rights. Then, finally, it made its way back to Calgary in the deal that saw Tyler Toffoli go to the Devils. So far, I’d the journey of the pick has been worth it.
Career in college
After being drafted, Suniev was committed to the University of Massachusetts. On a pretty good UMass team, Suniev was able to use his set of skills to have a solid rookie year. In 36 games, he lit the lamp 12 times and collected 25 points. He was fourth on his team in scoring.
With Suniev, the skills have always been there. He’s got physicality to him and displays a fantastic shot and playmaking abilities, that’s rounded out by his good puck handling. The only thing that there were concerns about was his skating. While that did seem to hold him back a bit, it seemed as if he was overcoming those problems.
Now, taking a look at this year, Suniev has taken massive steps forward in his play. Still with UMass Hockey, the team has some strength—same as years prior—but this time, Suniev is one of the leaders. With only 21 games played, Suniev has already surpassed his past season totals. Matching his 13 assists and eclipsing his goal and point totals already, Suniev’s stat line reads 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points. He’s second in team scoring only behind Nashville Predators’ prospect, Cole O’Hara.
League scoring is where Suniev’s improvement stands out the most. Last year, he wasn’t even in the NCAA’s top 100 in points. This season is much different. Behind only 11 players, Suniev sits 12th, only seven points away from first.
Suniev’s skill continues to shine. His diverse shot includes a laser wrist shot or hard one tees, allowing him to find the back of the net consistently. So consistent that it’s at a 0.5 per-game rate. The same can be said about his playmaking abilities, whether it’s a simple pass or a potential highlight reel one, he can do so.
Physicality and puck control are his complimentary factors that still bring their own taste. His skating still stands of concern; he has a poor stride and is not that fast or agile, but things seem to be working out. At the next level, it will all be about how that skating translates and how he can put his whole game together.
An underrated prospect for the Flames
Aydar Suniev is bringing production that one can only be thrilled to see from a third-round pick. With plenty of skill and decent projectability, Suniev will continue to be a prospect to watch for the Flames. To me, he’s the type of prospect that if he came into the league and found a way to produce, I wouldn’t be surprised at all. He’s got very good potential for the round he was drafted in and that shines through his strong year.
