'Do What I Love'

Before hitting the ice at training camp looking to reel in a spot on the Flames roster this season, Aydar Suniev spent the summer back home hauling in another catch.

The forward was in Moscow, able to spend time with his family and when he wasn’t on the ice working at his trade – which took up the bulk of his time – he was down on the Volga River with his brothers.

His biggest catch of the summer?

“Probably around 15 kilograms,” he said with a broad smile.

Not too shabby.

“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.”

He also got to mix in some tennis with his brothers and sisters and, perhaps even better than the fishing, was the meals.

“You know, your mom is cooking your best meals, and you’re just enjoying everything so much,” he said. “It was great to have that around the training.”

Back on this side of the pond, Suniev hit the ice with the rest of the Flames prospects Saturday and Sunday ahead of tonight’s NextGen Showcase game against the visiting Oilers (CLICK FOR TICKETS).

Suniev inked 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 suited up in 57 games for the Wranglers last season, putting up 16 goals (seven of which were powerplay markers) and 24 points. He was called up for the final six regular-season games for the Flames, collecting an assist in a 4-1 win over the Mammoth April 12 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The former 2023 third-round pick (selected 80^th overall from Penticton of the then BCHL), comes into camp this time around with a singular focus to earn a job with the Flames.

And despite the fact that camp is shorter this time around, he isn’t feeling any extra pressure.

“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 feels the preparation and hard work he put in during the off-season has positioned him well to shine when the eyes are on him.

“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).”