Flames Prospect Aydar Suniev's Stellar Development Nears NHL Call-Up
The moment could arrive at any time now. With the way Aydar Suniev has been performing recently for the Calgary Wranglers, the young forward finds himself at the very top of the shortlist of players who could receive an NHL call-up during the final two weeks of the season.
Rapid Progression Noted by Coaching Staff
At the beginning of the year, such a promotion might have seemed like a distant possibility. However, conversations with anyone associated with the Wranglers reveal that his development has been on a consistent upward trajectory for several months.
"I’d say he’s probably our most improved, or if not, one of the most improved players," stated Wranglers head coach Brett Sutter. "His overall game was pretty raw when he got to us. The offensive talent was always there, the offensive mindset was there, so it was just rounding out his game."
Coach Sutter emphasized the significant strides Suniev has made in areas away from the puck, including tracking, hunting, and defensive zone positioning. These improvements have allowed him to compete against other teams' top-six forwards, move up in the lineup, and create more opportunities for himself.
Statistical Performance and Physical Attributes
While Suniev has recorded 15 goals and eight assists in his first professional season in the AHL, the most striking enhancements have been in the other facets of his game. This is precisely what teams hope to see from a 21-year-old adapting to the increased speed and physicality of professional hockey.
Selected in the third round, 80th overall, in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames, Suniev previously made a strong impression during his two seasons with UMass in the NCAA. He signed with the Flames last spring and made his NHL debut in the team's 2024-25 season finale.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Suniev possesses the size necessary to be an impactful player in the NHL. Combined with his powerful shot, these physical tools make him a formidable prospect. Like many young players, he simply required some adjustment time in the AHL to refine his skills.
Player's Perspective on Adaptation
"I think just from the start of the season it was just adjusting to pro hockey and the pro level," Suniev explained. "Obviously, college was a lot of older guys, but here everyone is on the same level and you have to find something in your game that will be better than the other guys. That’s what I was finding throughout the season. I adjusted and I’m pretty comfortable playing that game now."
Timing Aligns for Potential Opportunity
With the Calgary Flames eliminated from playoff contention, the organization is in an ideal position to provide young players with NHL experience over their remaining eight games. Suniev's performance since the AHL All-Star Game in mid-February strongly supports his case for such an opportunity.
Notably, ten of his 23 total points this season have been accumulated in the 19 games following the All-Star break. When combined with his marked improvements in defensive play and overall hockey IQ, these factors establish Aydar Suniev as a prime candidate for promotion to the NHL roster as the season draws to a close.
