The Calgary Flames have officially ruled out their 2023 first-round draft pick, Sam Honzek, for the rest of the 2025-26 season. This decision comes after Honzek, a promising young forward, has been sidelined since November due to an upper-body injury.
Honzek, just 21 years old, sustained the injury during a game against the Winnipeg Jets on November 15th, following an unfortunate collision with teammate Mikael Backlund. The injury required surgery, which he underwent on November 20th. While he made a return to the ice for practice on Friday, the Flames have decided to prioritize his long-term health by keeping him out of game action until next season.
In his 18 appearances this season, Honzek managed to notch two goals and two assists, totaling four points. Drafted 16th overall by the Flames in 2023, Honzek made a name for himself during his first North American season with the Vancouver Giants in the WHL.
There, he tallied an impressive 23 goals and 33 assists in just 43 games. He continued to show promise the following season with 31 points in 33 games for Vancouver and had a brief stint with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.
Last season, Honzek spent most of his time with the Wranglers, contributing eight goals and 13 assists over 52 games. He also got a taste of NHL action, though he went scoreless in five games with the Flames.
Currently, the Flames are struggling with 68 points through 72 games, placing them fourth from the bottom in the NHL standings. With their playoff hopes dashed, the focus now shifts to developing their young talent for the future, and ensuring Honzek's full recovery is a key part of that plan.