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Sam Morton had an unforgettable rookie season with the Wranglers
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Photo credit: Terence Leung/Calgary Wranglers
Paige Siewert
Jun 15, 2025, 12:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 15, 2025, 01:05 EDT
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Sam Morton came to the Calgary Wranglers late in the 2023-24 season and made an immediate impact. The college product who came to Calgary late in the season suddenly turned into a core piece of the Wranglers’ lineup. Morton brought a high level of consistency to his game that translated into big plays and a one game shot with the big club.
Sam Morton is an undrafted centre who went the NCAA route after his time in the BCHL. He played for Union College, then transferred to Minnesota State University (Mankato) to finish up. In his Junior year, he was the Alternate Captain for the Mavericks and actually played with fellow Wranglers centreman, David Silye. The following year, he captained the team and had his most productive year, putting up 34 points in 37 games, consisting of 24 goals and 10 assists. 
Once he wrapped up his collegiate career, he was signed to the Flames to a one-year, two-way contract and played out the remaining games of the Wranglers’ season on an amateur tryout. He put up an assist in his first game and scored in just his second appearance in the AHL.

2024-25 expectations

The preview on Morton was just a brief one at the end of the 2023-24 season, but it was a memorable one. For the last month of the season, he played 13 games, putting up seven points. He had five goals in that time and carried that momentum into the post-season where he had four points in six playoff games. 
Prior to the 2024-25 season, the Wranglers still had Cole Schwindt as an option at centre so it didn’t feel like Sam Morton would necessarily be stealing his spot but could make a good run for it. After Sam Honzek made the Flames out of camp and Schwindt was claimed by Vegas on waivers, all of a sudden, Morton was a top-line centre. What could not have been predicted was the emergence of Rory Kerins as a standout centre for the AHL squad. 

2024-25 results

Morton was frequently found on the second or third line centring Martin Frk, William Stromgren or if he was up at the top, it’d include Rory Kerins on the wing and Dryden Hunt along with him. By the end of the season, Morton was a top choice at centre. Sam Morton was one of the players who was able to emerge through the struggles and uncertainties of the regular season. Despite how the lineup looked or who was coaching, he still stuck to his game and found a way to make an impact night in and night out.
At Wranglers exit meetings he said:
“I think at times it was a little weird. Like, I don’t want to say hard, because we’re still with coaches who we know well and have experience playing for. So it was nothing too crazy, but it was definitely kind of odd at times. So, I think at the end of the day, you show up and you go to work and you try to do your job to the best of your abilities. So I think just staying in the present, like, just controlling what you could control was a big focus of our team.”
Morton’s contributions and consistency didn’t go unnoticed as he was one of the four rookies who made their NHL debut on the Flames’ season finale. He also shared that experience with Wranglers teammate Hunter Brzustewicz. Morton scored his first NHL goal in front of family and friends in his first game in the league against the LA Kings. 
Reflecting on that experience, Morton said:
“It’s unforgettable for sure. just excitement, like just really cool. Honestly, it kind of leaves me speechless, but it was a really fun experience and, just kind of makes me feel grateful and like the whole process of getting here and getting to that point. There’s a lot of long days and a lot of sacrifice from other people that help get you there, so that part’s cool.”

Next season’s expectations

When prospects like Morton get an opportunity at the NHL, it’s hard for them not to want to do anything in their power to get back up there and stay. Sam Morton might not make the Flames straight from camp but there’s a chance we haven’t seen the last of him in a Flaming C. Center depth has been a topic of conversation for many seasons now and this centre is right on that cusp.
Morton has a couple of things he’d like to polish up in his game to make that next step and when he talked about his summer training plans he said:
“Let the body reset and like heal first and kind of clear out the mental headspace. But it’s always for me, it’s just getting stronger, so that’s not just in the gym, but also on your feet. So working with skating coaches and just trying to take steps forward in terms of winning battles and being fast.”
Sam Morton is currently without a contract and entered the off-season as a pending restricted free agent. His last contract with Calgary was a one year, two way deal capped at $870,000. The Flames still have money to work with, so once they get through draft season, Morton is a signing we’ll be on the lookout for.

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