(Photo by: Camden Hall -AP)
Calgary Flames prospect Sam Honzek is heading back to the Calgary Wranglers after the NHL club activated him from injured reserve and assigned him to its American Hockey League affiliate on Wednesday, November 11.
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The move gives the 21-year-old forward a chance to return to game action after a lower-body injury kept him out for more than a month. He last played in an NHL game on October 8 against the Colorado Avalanche.
Another Injury Interrupts Honzek’s Season
Honzek earned a spot on Calgary’s opening-night roster but appeared in just four games before the injury. He did not record a point in those appearances. Calgary’s November 11 report confirmed that Honzek joined the main practice group Tuesday for the first time since early October. Head coach Ryan Huska said the forward was getting closer to returning but still had steps to complete. The subsequent assignment to the Wranglers gives him a possible route back to competitive action.
The interruption follows another injury-shortened season. Honzek played 18 games for the Flames in 2025-26, recording two goals and two assists before an upper-body injury in November required surgery and ended his season. He also missed time following an injury early in the 2024-25 campaign. As a result, assembling a consistent stretch of healthy games has become an important part of his development.
Why the Wranglers Matter
Calgary selected Honzek 16th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Although he has already gained NHL experience, the 21-year-old still has relatively limited professional playing time because of those interruptions.
His most substantial AHL experience came during the 2024-25 season. Sam Honzek recorded eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 52 games with the Wranglers after appearing in five games for the Flames. Returning to the AHL offers a different challenge from participating in practices. Regular games can help Honzek rebuild timing, adjust to contact, and regain conditioning while facing professional competition.
It also gives Calgary a chance to evaluate his progress before making any further decisions about his NHL role. However, the assignment does not establish a timetable for a recall or guarantee a particular place in the Wranglers’ lineup.
Calgary Begins a Two-Game Series in Henderson
The Wranglers enter Thursday’s game with an 8-7-0 record after defeating the Bakersfield Condors 4-2 on November 10. Calgary will visit the Henderson Silver Knights on November 12 and 14. Sam Honzek’s assignment gives the Wranglers another forward with NHL experience as they continue their road trip. However, the club has not confirmed whether he will dress in the opening game against Henderson.
For Honzek, the immediate priority is straightforward: return to regular competition and build on the professional experience he has already gained. A sustained run of healthy AHL games would give both the player and the Flames a clearer picture of his progress.