Left wing is, by far, the most crowded column on the Calgary Flames’ forward depth chart.
The Flames have plenty of intriguing prospects on the port side.
That sets up a logjam at the big-league level, with Jonathan Huberdeau signed for six more seasons and Joel Farabee, Martin Pospisil and Yegor Sharangovich all established as regulars in their mid-20s. While we list Connor Zary as a centre, he is also in this conversation.
This is, of course, one of those good problems to have. The Flames would love for these youngsters to force them into some difficult decisions, whether that’s down the road or as soon as next season.
Here’s how we power-rank Calgary’s crop of under-25 talents on the left wing.
1. Sam Honzek
Age: 20
How acquired: Selected in first round, No. 16 overall, of 2023 NHL Draft
Working in his favour: With a blend of size, strength, skill and speed, this dude has all the ingredients to be a force as a power forward.
Still working on it: Honzek will be first to admit he needs to crank up his consistency to take advantage of his tools. Injuries have been an issue over the past couple of seasons, so durability is also a concern.
Big-league potential: Top-six forward remains the aim.
There will certainly be some debate about Honzek’s perch atop this list, although there wouldn’t have been any argument last fall, when he was the biggest bright spot at Flames training camp, earning an opening-night gig as a teen. He so far has appeared in five NHL games. While his minor-league stat line was underwhelming — eight goals and 21 points in 53 outings with the Wranglers — remember that it was his first pro season.
2. Aydar Suniev
Age: 20
How acquired: Selected in third round, No. 80 overall, of 2023 NHL Draft
Working in his favour: Going back to his draft day, scouts have been raving about Suniev’s ability to fire the puck.
Still working on it: If he can improve his acceleration, focusing on those crucial first few strides, he’ll be able to separate from defenders and find more open space for shooting opportunities.
Big-league potential: Suniev has the chops to be a top-six winger and power-play triggerman. If you know his backstory, you don’t question his drive to reach his full potential.
Suniev played plenty of right wing during his two collegiate campaigns but this up-and-coming lefty logged his NHL debut on his natural side, so that’s where we decided to list him. He potted 20 goals this past season with the UMass Minutemen, one of only seven NCAA sophomores to hit that mark in 2024-25. His one-timer is absolutely wicked.
3. Jacob Battaglia
Age: 19
How acquired: Selected in second round, No. 62 overall, of 2024 NHL Draft
Working in his favour: Below the hash-marks down in the offensive zone, he is as dangerous as any of Calgary’s current up-and-comers.
Still working on it: Like so many youngsters, Battaglia needs to polish his all-around game. His skating will improve as he adds more lower-body strength.
Big-league potential: We’re starting to sound like a broken record, but this is another candidate for a future top-six slot.
Battaglia was one of the OHL’s leading lamp-lighters this past season, scoring 40 on behalf of the Kingston Frontenacs. Since he’ll return for another winter in major junior, 50 snipes feels like an attainable goal. With his high-end hockey sense, heavy shot and ability to make plays in rush-hour traffic, Battaglia is looking like a could-be gem.
4. Andrew Basha
Age: 19
How acquired: Selected in second round, No. 41 overall, of 2024 NHL Draft
Working in his favour: This emerging sparkplug is speedy, smart and tends to forget that he is slightly undersized. That last part, just to be clear, is a big compliment.
Still working on it: Basha has had great linemates in Medicine Hat, so he’ll be determined to show he is a driver and not just a supporting piece.
Big-league potential: With his offensive numbers, we’re wary of limiting him to an energy role.
This Calgary-raised kid already is a fan fave, so we are prepared for the criticism that he’s too low on the list. The explanation is sort of like an incomplete grade. Basha returned to action in the WHL final after missing four-plus months due to ankle surgery. He put up impressive numbers while playing hurt, so there is a lot of excitement about what he can accomplish at full health.
Related5. William Stromgren
Age: 21
How acquired: Selected in second round, No. 45 overall, of 2021 NHL Draft
Working in his favour: With the puck on his stick, Stromgren is as skilled as any forward in the Flames’ pipeline.
Still working on it: The staff want to see more competitiveness, with an emphasis on winning back the puck rather than waiting for it to wind up on his stick.
Big-league potential: Can he carve out a role as a staple in the middle-six?
Stromgren was in the call-up conversation after a strong first half with the Wranglers, but he really dropped off down the stretch, with just two goals over the final 31 games. It’s probably a good sign that he was sour as he started his summer, grumbling: “I’ve gotta be pissed off that I didn’t do a good job to give myself a better chance.” Stromgren, who turns 22 next month, needs to make a statement at training camp.