The Calgary Flames made a big signing yesterday, inking 20-year-old left-wing Aydar Suniev to a three-year entry-level contract that starts this season.
Suniev was drafted by the Flames 80th overall in the third round back in 2023 with the pick they got in the deal that sent Tyler Toffoli to the New Jersey Devils. Over the past two years since he was drafted, Suniev has put together a very impressive NCAA career and fully deserves the contract he just signed.
Here’s everything you need to know about the newest member of the Calgary Flames.
Suniev’s journey to the NHL
Suniev was born in Russia and did not follow your typical prospect career path. He crossed the pond when he was just 15 years old to ply his trade in AAA Canadian hockey. He worked his way up to the BCHL in the 2021–22 season, finding his home in Penticton alongside the dynamic Nadeau brothers on a very strong Penticton Vees team. Suniev tore up the BCHL as a rookie, putting up nine goals and 20 points in 17 games.
The 2022–23 season was his draft season, and Suniev built on his strong rookie campaign with a dominant year. He amassed 45 goals and 45 assists for 90 points in just 50 games. He added another 23 points in 15 playoff games, putting himself firmly into the top 100 on many draft boards. The Flames snagged him 80th overall, which was fantastic value considering how unknown Suniev was at the time.
The next two seasons were spent in the NCAA for the University of Massachusetts. Suniev had a solid rookie season, finishing fourth in team scoring with 25 points in 36 games. He followed that up with a monster sophomore season in 2024–25, where he scored 20 goals and 38 points in just 35 games. UMass was eliminated from the NCAA playoffs this week, prompting the Flames to sign Suniev and have him join the professional ranks.
Suniev’s play style
Suniev possesses a very intriguing toolkit and the NHL frame to boot. The UMass roster lists him at 6’2” and 192 lbs, so Suniev definitely won’t feel physically overwhelmed at the NHL level.
From our very own Drew Ostmoen earlier this season, here’s a bit on Suniev’s skillset:
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.
Drew Ostmoen: Calgary Flames prospect Aydar Suniev is having a massive year
One thing that really stands out about Suniev is his shot. For a Flames team that struggled mightily to score this season, adding an offensive-minded player like Suniev is a huge win.
His broad offensive skillset however, is highlighted by a high hockey IQ. Not much has changed since our analysis of him in our annual prospect rankings this past summer:
Suniev is smart and you’ll rarely see him make a huge error. He knows when to pass, when to shoot, when to deke, etc. At both ends of the ice, you will see him position himself properly for the oncoming play. He thinks at a high level and can appear to be seeing the game before it happens.
Drew Ostmoen: 2024 Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings: #13 Aydar Suniev
Suniev’s next steps in professional hockey
Suniev will follow Matt Coronato’s path. The first year of his ELC will be burned this season, as Suniev will be joining the Flames right away. There isn’t actually any other choice since Suniev is not eligible to play in the AHL playoffs. AHL playoff eligibility is very strict in that players are only eligible to participate if they were on an AHL roster on the trade deadline.
It may take a bit of time for him to play his first NHL game, likely only to happen when the Flames are officially eliminated from playoff contention. Still, he will make his NHL debut this season.
Next season, Suniev will compete in training camp for a job on the main squad but could spend time in any of the NHL, AHL, or ECHL, depending on how he does. Best-case scenario is that Suniev makes the Flames out of camp and sticks in the NHL for the whole season. The more likely scenario is that Suniev starts with the AHL Calgary Wranglers, adjusts to the professional game, and works his way up to earning a call-up to the Flames.
Welcome to Calgary, Aydar!
Whether Suniev ends up sticking with the Flames right away or spends time in the AHL with the Wranglers to start next season, it’s always nice to have talented players in the system. Suniev has the frame and skillset to be an NHL player and is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Suniev will wear #36 for the Flames. Welcome to Calgary, Aydar!
