2. Aydar Suniev is the Flames First Call-up This Season
Every year in training camp, there's at least one young player that pushes hard for a roster spot out of camp, and this year, it's former third-round pick Aydar Suniev, who not only scored on the shootout, but posted his fourth goal of action this pre-season.
On top of that, he showed off some physicality as well, and with the Flames bottom-six being clogged by veterans, there's been a big push on social media to get him onto the opening night roster on October 1st. However, it's likely that he'll start the year in the AHL, with the team hoping for a similar outcome to Matvei Gridin a year ago, but if any forwards go down throughout the year, Suniev has to be the first player called up after a thrilling start.
1. The Calgary Wranglers Should Be Fun to Watch in 2026/27
As a result of what we just mentioned, Suniev will more likely than not be with the Wranglers to start the year, and combined with players like Tyson Gross, Hunter Brzustewicz and Jonathan Castagna, it's going to make this a very exciting team. The familiar names like Dryden Hunt, Ben Jones, Sam Morton and Rory Kerins will be around too, and after a disappointing season in 2025/26, this year could be a bounce back campaign under Brett Sutter.
Of course, things could change based on call ups, potential trades and injuries, but right now, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Wranglers teams we've seen since the AHL squad was moved to Calgary.
That doesn't mean it will be the best, but given how the future of the organization is being prioritized, after what we saw against NHL competition on Thursday, this will be a very, very fun team to watch regardless of results this season.
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