Flames cut camp roster to 27, assign Basha and Brzustewicz to AHL

The Calgary Flames moved closer to finalizing their opening-night lineup on Friday, trimming their training camp group to 27 players. A wave of assignments sent several young players to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers and one forward back to junior as the club prepares for next Thursday’s regular-season opener against the Seattle Kraken.

Basha and Brzustewicz among seven assigned to Wranglers

Seven players were assigned to the Wranglers, including forward Andrew Basha and defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz. Joining them in the AHL are forwards Jonathan Castagna, Will Dineen and Tyson Gross, along with defenceman Axel Hurtig and goaltender Arsenii Sergeev.

Those players will now look to earn prominent roles in the American Hockey League and position themselves for potential call-ups as the season progresses. Their reassignment also gives the Flames’ coaching staff a clearer picture of the group still competing for NHL jobs in the final days of camp.

Eight players placed on waivers, Harrington back to WHL

Calgary also placed eight players on waivers with the intention of assigning them to the Wranglers if they clear. On defence, Michael Benning, Andreas Englund and Jake Livingstone were put on waivers, while forwards Dryden Hunt, Ben Jones, Rory Kerins, Sam Morton and William Stromgren were also exposed to the league.

In addition, the Flames sent forward Chase Harrington to the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League. The move returns Harrington to junior hockey after gaining experience in an NHL environment during camp.

Flames narrow competition ahead of Kraken opener

After Friday’s cuts, the Flames have three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 16 forwards remaining in camp. That group will battle for the remaining spots on the final roster that will be in uniform for opening night.

Calgary opens its regular season Thursday against the Seattle Kraken, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. MT / 9 p.m. ET on Sportsnet. The remaining days of camp and any remaining pre-season action will help determine which players secure roles when the games begin to count.