Flames call up Suniev and Castagna to spark struggling offence

The Calgary Flames are turning to their prospect pool in search of more offence. On Wednesday, the club recalled forwards Aydar Suniev and Jonathan Castagna, while forward Connor Zary and defenceman Brayden Pachal cleared waivers and were assigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.

Suniev gets another shot after standout pre-season

Aydar Suniev, from Kazan, Russia, moved to North America to continue his development and quickly built a reputation as a pure goal scorer. During his season at St. Andrew’s College he averaged more than a goal per game, then backed that up in 2022-23 with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL, tying for the league lead with 45 goals in 50 games.

Following his sophomore year at the University of Massachusetts, where he put up 20 goals and 38 points in 35 games, Suniev signed his entry-level deal with Calgary and made his NHL debut late in the 2024-25 season. His first full professional campaign came with some growing pains, but he still finished with 16 goals and 24 points in 57 games and picked up his first NHL point on an assist with the Flames.

This fall, Suniev was Calgary’s most dangerous forward in pre-season action, scoring three times on six shots over two games. Despite that performance, he was the final cut from the opening-night roster and started the year with the Wranglers, recording one assist and five shots on goal through two AHL contests. The quick recall now gives him a fresh opportunity to convince management he belongs in the NHL full-time.

Castagna’s late surge earns first NHL look

Jonathan Castagna, a Toronto native, reunites with his former St. Andrew’s College teammate Suniev in Calgary’s organization. After graduating in 2023, Castagna spent three seasons at Cornell University and broke out offensively in 2025-26, posting 15 goals and 34 points in 34 games in his junior year.

Drafted in the third round in 2023 by the Arizona Coyotes, Castagna joined the Flames as part of the trade that sent Mackenzie Weegar the other way. Seen by some as a late bloomer, he rounded out his game at Cornell, showcasing high-end skating and speed that can quickly put defenders on their heels, combined with a relentless forecheck. He wore an ‘A’ as an alternate captain in his final collegiate season.

There was initial surprise when Arizona selected him that high given his limited junior experience, but his progression over the past two years has validated that bet. Castagna has started his pro career strongly with the Wranglers, scoring two goals in his first two games, a surge that has now been rewarded with his first NHL call-up and puts an NHL debut within reach.

Flames chase offensive spark with added depth

Before recalling Suniev and Castagna, the Flames were carrying only 12 forwards on their active roster, leaving head coach Ryan Huska with few options to shuffle his lines. The two additions give him more flexibility ahead of a demanding stretch of schedule and bring fresh energy to a group searching for a spark.

Calgary’s need is clear: the team has produced just three goals over its first three games. Suniev and Castagna arrive with momentum from the AHL and a shared history as linemates at St. Andrew’s, which could help them contribute quickly. Whether they can turn this opportunity into a permanent role may go a long way toward determining if the Flames can jump-start their offence early in the season.