The Flames’ injury call-ups have impressed, but tough lineup decisions are on the horizon

In the world of professional sports, especially contact sports, injuries are a part of life. It’s not a question of if your team will lose somebody significant due to injury, it’s only a matter of when.

Through the first 19 games of their season, the Flames have missed six players at various points due to injuries – Jonathan Huberdeau, Sam Honzek, Mikael Backlund, Brennan Othmann, Devin Cooley and Kevin Bahl. Their absences created opportunities for others further down the depth chart.

Huberdeau’s absence has opened up a spot on the wing among the top nine forwards that was initially claimed by Connor Zary but later was grabbed by call-up Aydar Suniev.

Honzek’s injury led to Ryan Strome shifting to the wing, Martin Pospisil moving up from the fourth line, and opened up a regular spot for call-up Jonathan Castagna, who’s become a fixture on the fourth line alongside Adam Klapka.

Backlund’s injury gave call-up Ben Jones a couple NHL games, and helped expand Castagna’s role as a shutdown centre.

Othmann’s injury gave call-up William Stromgren an opportunity to play a few more NHL games after his initial recall stint last season.

Bahl’s season-ending injury will likely provide Joel Hanley with an opportunity to be an NHL regular for the rest of the season after beginning the season as a depth option.

Huberdeau has been part of Flames practices and morning skates as a full participant in recent days after previously skating in a no-contact jersey. Honzek was a full participant at Tuesday’s practice and Wednesday’s morning skate prior to his assignment to the Wranglers. Huberdeau’s return to the active roster, and Honzek’s return to the NHL after an AHL stint, seem like they could be just a matter of time.

On Wednesday morning, Huska expressed optimism regarding the increased competition for lineup spots.

“I think the competition is a good thing,” said Huska. “The guys that have come up during this stretch have done a really good job. So you always want people to earn their way. And a lot of these guys have really done that. So it makes for some difficult decisions when people do get healthy.”

The Flames kick off a three game road trip on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings.

When it comes to Ram Sport, Renfrew doesn’t just compete, they lead. The 60K Sport is widely known as Canada’s best deal on a Ram Sport, and that’s just the start. Renfrew was recently named the #1 Stellantis dealership in Canada for most new vehicle sales. That’s serious volume. With one of the largest inventories in the country, including a strong lineup of Jeep Compass models priced to move, there’s no shortage of options. Big selection, big energy, and a team that knows how to close out a win when it matters.