1. Dustin Wolf- I think at this point it’s safe to say that Flames fans officially have a right to be over the moon excited about Wolf, and what he could turn into moving forward. 11 games played this season and Wolf has posted a record of 8-2-1 with one shutout while putting up a 2.33 GAA and a .926 SV %. Wolf has cemented himself as the favorite to win the starting position this season. From the instant success, you can tell this kid has more to give, and the Flames staff and fans want to see him give it.
2. Justin Kirkland- A pleasant surprise, that’s what a lot of Flames fans saw the night that Kirkland scored his first shootout winner, and now as I write this, he currently leads all past and present Flames in shootout percentage with 75% (3/4). In 18 games played this year, Kirkland has scored 2 goals and 6 assists with a +/- of +7. While Kirkland has supplied energy and a big boost to the Flames depth, he’s also done so with an average ice time of 10:22.
3. Hunter Brzustewicz- The hype Hunter generated during main camp has somewhat fizzled out. The blueliner has struggled to produce, regardless of his prominent offensive abilities. Brzustewicz has only put up 2 assists in 18 games played with the Calgary Wranglers this season with a +/- of -1. I don’t think it’s time to panic at all, but I do think it’s something to keep in mind if he doesn’t improved before the end of the year.
4. Mackenzie Weegar- I personally really appreciate the game that Weegar plays. He touches all parts of the game with his scoring, physicality and puck handling abilities. Dependable as always, Weegar has been a staple on the PP and a threat from the point. #52 has 3 goals and 8 assists through the first 20 games of the season with a plus minus of +4. The only reason Weegar is on the 2nd pairing most nights is because Andersson and Bahl have been playing lights out, and are a massive reason for the Flames early success so far this season.
5. Aydar Suniev- Suniev has put up 9 goals and 16 points in 13 games played with the University of Massachusetts. He has a +/- of +6 in that time frame. Suniev was drafted in the 3rd round at 80th overall by the Flames at the 2023 draft. If he can continue to be offensively dynamic, it looks like he could be a very huge find for the Flames moving forward. Suniev, originally from Kazan, Russia, has been playing in North America since he was 14. The Flames believe there is still some untapped star potential hidden within. I know I’m excited to see how he progresses.
6. Andrew Basha- The Calgary Flames couldn’t believe Basha was still on the board when they got the chance to use their 41st overall pick at the 2024 Entry draft.
In 17 games played with the Medicine Hat Tigers this year, Basha has recorded 7 goals and 13 assists with a +/- of -2. With the speed and skill Andrew possesses, he’s one of the more interesting prospects to keep an eye on.
7. Zayne Parekh- He was a little underwhelming at Flames main camp, but once being sent back to the Memorial Cup champs, Zayne picked up right where he left off. In 20 games played with the Saginaw Spirit this year, Parekh has notched 8 goals and 21 assists with a +/- of +11. Parekh sits 11th out of all skaters for assists and 22nd out of all skaters with 2 GWG. Look to see his point total continue to climb while he perfects his parts of the game that are already considered elite. I’m not saying he can’t grow defensively, but the Flames didn’t draft him to be a shutdown blueliner.
8. Jonathan Huberdeau- Well, 20 games into the season and Huberdeau still can’t find the level of play at which he once was known for. On average, he logs 17:59 in ice time, and has put up 11 points so far this season with 6 of them being goals. His defensive play isn’t really shining either as his +/- is at a -3 and that’s not something I was be dependent on him to do if I was Huska. The last time Huberdeau scored a goal was November 11. It’s possible that he finds his game at some point this season with so many breakout players taking the spotlight, I just wouldn’t bet on it.
9. Nazem Kadri- After 20 games, it’s easy to see that this season has not been all that kind to Kadri. He’s put up 5 goals and 5 assists, but his +/- has taken an absolute dive, sitting at -11. Can Kadri get back on track? Yes. Will he get back on track? I think so. Similar to Huberdeau, Kadri has had a spotlight on him since signing his contract with the Flames. The difference is that Kadri played for the Maple Leafs, so it’s easy to understand how he might handle the pressure better and get out of this rut sooner than later.
10. Yegor Sharangovich- After suffering an untimely injury in the last preseason game that cost Sharangovich his spot on the roster opening night, hes only posted 3 goals and 1 assist in 13 games played after coming back this season, but he looks like he’s just starting to heat up his last couple of games. Sharangovich is one of of the Flames most dangerous offensive weapons, and when he’s on his game, his shot is lethal.
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