Calgary Flames Set for Four NHL Debuts in Season Finale

LOS ANGELES, California — The Calgary Flames are set to make a splash in their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Kings this Thursday, with four rookie players expected to make their NHL debuts. The matchup is particularly significant for Zayne Parekh, Aydar Suniev, Hunter Brzustewicz, and Sam Morton, as the Flames look to give their new talent some playoff-free experience after being officially eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week.

In a report by Sportsnet‘s Pat Steinberg, the Flames will be sitting Jonathan Huberdeau, Martin Pospisil, Kevin Rooney, Rasmus Andersson, Jake Bean, and Joel Hanley to accommodate the rookies in the lineup. This move comes after a disappointing end to the season, but the Flames hope to finish on a high note with the younger players showcasing their skills.

All eyes will be on 19-year-old defenceman Zayne Parekh, who had an outstanding season with the OHL‘s Saginaw Spirit, recording 33 goals and 74 assists across 61 games. The Nobleton, Ontario, native, who was drafted ninth overall by Calgary in the 2024 NHL Draft, is regarded as a rising star in the league. Parekh’s achievement of becoming one of only two OHL blue-liners to register multiple 30-goal seasons is a testament to his offensive talents.

Aydar Suniev, 20, adds more excitement with his recent signing of a three-year entry-level contract with the Flames on April 2. The forward scored 20 goals and totaled 38 points in 35 games for the University of Massachusetts this season, earning high praise for his aggressive playing style and remarkable shot.

Defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz and forward Sam Morton are also stepping into the professional arena after solid showings with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. Brzustewicz, 20, has amassed five goals and 26 assists in 69 games, while Morton, at 25, contributed 20 goals and 25 assists during the same number of games.

Despite the game lacking implications for playoff positioning, for the rookies, this marks an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities at hockey’s highest level. “We have lots to be proud of,” said veteran Nazem Kadri. “We played some incredible hockey this year. And we still have one left, so we have to show up.”

The game will take place at Crypto.com Arena at 9:30 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in via Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ to witness the young Flames team as they conclude their season.