The Calgary Flames suffered a double blow on Saturday night, falling 4-3 in a shootout to the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome and potentially losing promising young forward Sam Honzek to injury.
For the second time in just over a week, a key young player for the Flames was forced to leave the ice prematurely. The incident occurred when Honzek collided with team captain Mikael Backlund during gameplay.
Another Young Star Hobbled
This marks the second concerning injury for the Flames' youth movement in eight days. Top prospect Zayne Parekh exited a game recently and has not returned to the ice since.
During Saturday's contest, the focus shifted to Sam Honzek, the team's first-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 20-year-old winger left the game following a hard collision with Backlund and did not return.
Honzek is scheduled for a medical evaluation on Sunday. The team and fans are anxiously awaiting news, hoping the injury isn't serious and his absence will be brief.
"It's an unfortunate play and I obviously felt bad that it happened like that," Backlund said after the game. "His game has been growing this year from a year ago. He's been taking big steps and he's worked really hard to earn his spot."
Flames head coach Ryan Huska echoed the concern, noting Honzek's significant development this season. "He brings a speed element to our team," Huska said. "He's become a really good penalty-killer for us, so he's come a long way in a short period of time this year."
Potential Call-Up Candidates
Should Honzek be sidelined, even temporarily, the Flames have several options with their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers.
The most likely candidate for a recall is Matvei Gridin. The 19-year-old winger began the season with the NHL club and has impressed in the AHL, recording five goals and eight assists in 13 games.
Another potential option is William Stromgren. The 22-year-old Swedish forward, a second-round pick in 2021, has yet to make his NHL debut but is building a strong case with the Wranglers, contributing one goal and 11 assists through 15 games.
Game Analysis and Looking Ahead
Despite the injury concern, the Flames managed to force overtime against the Jets before ultimately falling in the shootout. The loss drops Calgary's record as they continue navigating early-season challenges.
Honzek had been establishing himself as a regular NHL contributor this season after a challenging rookie professional campaign in 2024-25. Through 18 games, he had recorded two goals and two assists while earning a role on a line with Backlund and Blake Coleman.
The Flames organization now faces an anxious wait for medical news on Sunday that could significantly impact their lineup and strategy moving forward.
