Could a strong camp propel Flames prospect Aydar Suniev to more NHL games?

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeSportsHockeyNHLCalgary Flames Could a strong camp propel Flames prospect Aydar Suniev to more NHL games? 'This year I’m a lot more comfortable and I feel like I know what it takes to get there,' Suniev said Author of the article: By Daniel Austin Published Sep 14, 2026 3 minute read Join the conversation Calgary Flames left winger Aydar Suniev makes a pass in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia Article content Late last season, Calgary Wranglers head coach Brett Sutter credited Aydar Suniev with being arguably the most improved player on the AHL team’s roster. Article content Only a week later, the young Russian was called up to the NHL and given his first extended look with the Calgary Flames. Article content Article content But ending the season in the NHL doesn’t guarantee that you’ll start the next one in the league, and Suniev’s got his work cut out for him if he wants to earn a roster spot with the Flames on Day 1 of the 2026-27 campaign. Article content Article content “I think we just want to see his details in place tonight,” Sutter said prior to Monday evening’s Next Gen Showcase between the Flames and Edmonton Oilers prospects. “He came a long way with the checking side of the game last year, tracking pucks, hunting pucks, d-zone coverage and we know what he can do offensively, right? We want to see that stuff, playing fast and creating scoring chances and using that great shot, but we also want to see that he can play that 200-foot game and be a reliable player and be put in lots of situations. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “I’m expecting him to pick up right where he left off.” Article content Suniev was set to share a line with Matvei Gridin and Tyson Gross on Monday against the Oilers’ young guns. All three played NHL games last year and will be pushing for playing time heading into the new season. Article content Gridin is sure to be on the opening night roster and has sky-high expectations, while Gross should be in the mix for the team’s fourth-line centre role. The…