The Calgary Flames suffered a double blow on Saturday night as they lost promising rookie Sam Honzek to an early injury before ultimately falling 4-3 to the Winnipeg Jets in a shootout at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Another Young Star Goes Down
For the second time in just over a week, the Flames watched helplessly as one of their brightest young talents hobbled off the ice. The incident occurred when Honzek collided with team captain Mikael Backlund during gameplay, forcing the 2023 first-round draft pick to leave the contest immediately.
Honzek will be evaluated by team doctors on Sunday, leaving the organization and fans anxiously awaiting news about his condition. The unfortunate play comes just eight nights after Zayne Parekh suffered a similar fate, and he hasn't returned to the ice since.
Backlund expressed his concern following the game, stating: "It's an unfortunate play and I obviously felt bad that it happened like that. His game has been growing this year from a year ago. He's been taking big steps this year and he's worked really hard to earn his spot."
Growing Role Cut Short
After struggling during his first professional season in 2024-25, Honzek had quickly established himself as a regular NHL contributor this year. The young forward had recorded two goals and two assists through 18 games while earning significant ice time alongside Backlund and Blake Coleman.
Flames head coach Ryan Huska highlighted the significance of the potential loss: "He's done a lot of great things for our team. He brings a speed element to our team and it's an important aspect that helps drive a line when he's on the ice. He's become a really good penalty-killer for us."
The collision was described as a freak accident rather than anyone's fault, occurring as the Flames attempted to move the puck deep while Honzek worked to stay onside.
Potential Replacements from AHL
Should Honzek face a significant absence, the Flames have several options with their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. The most obvious candidate appears to be Matvei Gridin, the 19-year-old winger who began the season with the NHL club.
Gridin has impressed in the AHL with five goals and eight assists through 13 games, and his skating speed matches the attribute Huska specifically noted about Honzek's game.
Another potential call-up could be William Stromgren. The 22-year-old Swedish forward has been building a solid campaign with the Wranglers, contributing one goal and eleven assists in 15 games. Selected in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Stromgren has yet to make his NHL debut but has worked his way into consideration.
The Flames now face uncertainty as they await medical updates on their developing forward while dealing with the disappointment of letting a potential victory slip away against their division rivals.
