Aydar Suniev didn’t spend his summer just grinding on the ice. He also spent it back home in Moscow, where the Flames forward found time to fish with his brothers on the Volga River, play some tennis with his siblings and, maybe most importantly, enjoy his mom’s cooking.
His biggest catch came in at “Probably around 15 kilograms,” he said with a broad smile.
“Yeah, it was a great summer,” he said in a 1-on-1 chat Saturday. “You know, the first time in four or five years I went home, and it was the best thing ever. I enjoyed it so much.”
That break is behind him now. Suniev was back with the rest of Calgary’s prospects on Saturday and Sunday as the group prepared for tonight’s NextGen Showcase game against the visiting Oilers.
Suniev signed a three-year deal with the Flames on April 2, 2025, and made his NHL debut 15 days later in Los Angeles against the Kings in the big club’s last regular-season game. He also appeared in the final six regular-season games for Calgary, picking up an assist in a 4-1 win over the Mammoth on April 12 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Last season, the former 2023 third-round pick - 80th overall from Penticton of the then BCHL - played 57 games for the Wranglers and finished with 16 goals, including seven on the power play, and 24 points.
Now the mission is straightforward: force his way onto the Flames roster.
Even with camp shortened this year, Suniev said he isn’t treating the opportunity any differently.
“I don't think so,” he said. “No, I think it's the same for me. You know, I go out there and do what I love to do and do my best, and that's what matters to me.”
He said the summer work should help him when the spotlight is on.
“I worked a lot on my skating this summer,” he said. “I think that was kind of priority for me. But also, you know, I also keep working on all the little things.
“Getting this one more game (NextGen Showcase tilt) with the camp shorter is more opportunity for me. And you know, my goal is to make the (Flames) from the camp this year, and hopefully stay and play with the (Flames).”
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