Sam Honzek Returns to Flames Practice but Won't Play Again This Season
For the first time since mid-November, Calgary Flames forward Sam Honzek was back on the ice with his teammates during an optional practice at the Saddledome on Friday morning. This return to practice signals significant progress in his recovery from an upper-body injury sustained in a collision with teammate Mikael Backlund on November 15, which prematurely ended his breakout season.
Season Officially Over Despite Practice Return
The Flames have confirmed that despite his encouraging return to the ice, Honzek will not play again this season. The 21-year-old Slovak winger had established himself on a line with Backlund and Blake Coleman early in the season, recording two goals and two assists through 18 games before the injury halted his campaign.
His practice participation suggests his recovery has progressed well, and he should be on track for a normal offseason training regimen to prepare for the 2026-27 campaign. At 6-foot-4 and 186 pounds, Honzek possesses the physical attributes to become a genuine difference-maker for the Flames.
Part of Flames' Young Core
Selected in the first round, 16th overall, in the 2023 NHL Draft, Honzek represents an important piece of the young core the Flames are building around. He won't turn 22 until November and showed promising development before his injury.
The organization views his return to practice as a positive step toward his full recovery, even though he won't see game action this season. His presence on the ice provides encouragement for both the team and fans looking toward next season.
Other Players Returning to Practice
Honzek wasn't the only Flames player returning to practice after missing time. Both forward Connor Zary and defenseman Yan Kuznetsov were also back on the ice Friday.
- Connor Zary has missed the last three games after receiving an ugly hit from behind by Florida Panthers' A.J. Greer on March 20. Greer was assessed a game misconduct and later suspended for three games for the hit.
- Yan Kuznetsov has been out since leaving the Flames' 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders on March 22 with an upper-body injury. The 24-year-old defenseman has broken through significantly this season since being called up from the Calgary Wranglers in early November, playing in 52 games and establishing himself on the team's second pairing.
Both Zary and Kuznetsov are considered day-to-day by the Flames, who face the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night at the Saddledome before embarking on a six-game road trip.
The simultaneous return of multiple players to practice provides a boost to the team as they prepare for their final stretch of games, even as Honzek focuses on his recovery for next season.
