Flames leave Aydar Suniev off opening roster to keep Brennan Othmann

The Calgary Flames will begin the 2026-27 season without one of their most productive pre-season forwards. Despite scoring a team-high four goals in exhibition play, Aydar Suniev was not included on the 23-man roster the club filed with the NHL on Monday, a decision that underlines the organization’s commitment to patience and asset management.

Waiver rules and long-term view shape Suniev call

Suniev was the most notable omission from the opening roster after a camp that showcased his elite shot and offensive upside. The Flames’ choice had less to do with his performance than with contract status: Suniev can be assigned to the AHL without waivers, whereas Brennan Othmann, battling for a similar spot, would have been exposed if cut. That flexibility made Suniev the easier player to send down, even if his NHL future appears close at hand.

Last season, Suniev needed more than half a year in the AHL just to adjust to the pro game and finished with 14 goals as a rookie. The Flames are still trying to round out his 200-foot game and want him to drive offence on the farm while becoming more consistent defensively and physically. General manager Craig Conroy said the forward simply needs to keep building on the improvements the club asked for, emphasizing that a recall is a matter of timing rather than merit.

Othmann earns spot with versatility and edge

Othmann, 23, stays in Calgary after backing up his words from exit meetings with Conroy, where he vowed to show why he was once a first-round pick of the New York Rangers. With 44 NHL games already on his resume, he offers more versatility than Suniev right now and has shown he can slide into different spots in the lineup. His abrasive style also stood out; he made enemies quickly, including among Seattle Kraken players during pre-season action.

Acquired last season in a minor deal for Jacob Battaglia, Othmann describes himself as a fast, physical presence who enjoys getting under opponents’ skin. The Flames see him as an ideal plug-in option if injuries hit their bottom six, expecting him to bring the same heavy forecheck and disruptive game he showed in exhibition. His junior track record as a 50-goal scorer and OHL champion adds some offensive intrigue to his profile as a depth piece.

Huberdeau to IR, Honzek makes team as injuries, depth shape roster

Beyond the Suniev decision, the rest of the Flames’ 23-man list unfolded largely as anticipated. Jonathan Huberdeau continues to rehab from hip surgery and will open the season on injured reserve, which helped clear a path for first-round pick Sam Honzek. Honzek impressed enough in camp to earn NHL duty and is expected to help on the penalty kill while adding size and speed to the forward group.

Head coach Ryan Huska will also spend the early part of the season figuring out exactly how off-season addition Maxim Tysplakov fits into his forward mix after admitting he did not know much about the newcomer coming in. On defence, veterans Joel Hanley and Brayden Pachal were kept as the extra blueliners, providing experienced depth and lineup options. Young defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz was assigned to the minors, where he is projected to log heavy minutes and significant responsibility.

For an organization that has often operated in short-term cycles, this camp marked a shift. With Suniev and other prospects, the Flames are clearly willing to take the long view, prioritizing development, waiver leverage and confidence over short-lived early-season gains.