It’s been a busy week for the Calgary Flames as they look to inject some much needed offence into their lineup. Earlier this week, the team placed both Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal on waivers. After both cleared yesterday, the team has made some corresponding moves, recalling a pair of young forwards. Both Aydar Suniev and Jonathan Castagna have been recalled to the big club.
Aydar Suniev gets his shot
A standout in pre-season, there was an outcry when 2024 3rd rounder Suniev was cut from the roster and sent down to the AHL before the season. Well, it didn’t take long for the young sniper to make his way back to the Flames, spending just one week in the AHL.
For a team in desperate need of some offensive touch, Suniev has the opportunity to jump right into the lineup and make an immediate impact. After scoring 16 goals in the AHL last year, Suniev will be looking to prove himself at the NHL level now that he has his shot.
Jonathan Castagna’s hot start gets rewarded
Picked up in the MacKenzie Weegar blockbuster last year, Castagna started the AHL season with two goals in two games. The Flames are incredibly thin down the middle, so Castagna will be a welcome addition to the big club as they look to inject some much needed youth and offence down the middle of the ice.
Up to the coach now
We should find out more about where Suniev and Castagna will slot into the lineup for Thursday’s showdown later today at practice. It’ll be interesting to see where head coach Ryan Huska decides to play them after the teams league worst 0-3 start.
