logo
FlamesNation has no direct affiliation to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Yan Kuznetsov had a career year for the Wranglers, appearing in every game
alt
Photo credit: Angela Burger/Calgary Wranglers
Paige Siewert
May 30, 2025, 14:00 EDTUpdated: May 29, 2025, 01:54 EDT
Comments
Yan Kuznetsov was the only Wrangler to play all 72 games and both of their playoff games. He didn’t miss a single game due to an injury, call-up, sickness or personal reasons and was the one constant on the blue line when circumstances had other plans for the team. In a year marked with the title of adversity for the Wranglers, Kuznetsov was there for every minute of it.
Kuznetsov was selected in the 2020 NHL draft in the 2nd round, 50th overall and grew up in Murmansk, Russia. His professional career started in the 2020-21 season with the Stockton Heat for six games and another 12 games with the Heat in the 2021-22 season. By the first season the Wranglers were in town, he was up to playing full time hockey with the Flames’ affiliate, picking up 19 points in 63 regular season games in 2022-23 and 13 points in 63 regular season games in 2023-24. 
Kuznetsov made his NHL debut with the Flames in the 2023-24 season against the Ottawa Senators on Jan. 9, 2024. That is his only NHL appearance to date. 

2024-25 expectations

This season, the expectations for Kuznetsov were pretty close to the expectations of Ilya Solovyov in the 2023-24 season. Make a name for yourself with the Wranglers and take advantage of any opportunity you get with the Flames. Unfortunately for him, circumstances didn’t require a call-up for the 23 year old defender. He ended up playing the whole season in the AHL instead. 
When Kuznetsov talked about how he prepared for this season he said:
“I had a really good summer. It was a lot of work coming from the previous two years. Coaches were telling me that consistency was a bit of a problem, so I was focusing on that a lot throughout the season trying to stay even keel, and I think because of it, I was able to play all the games for this season.”

2024-25 results

Kuznetsov had a career year for the Wranglers, narrowly beating his own professional record of 19 points in the 2022-23 season. He finished the 2024-25 regular season with 21 points, consisting of six goals and 15 assists and a plus/minus rating of +21. Unfortunately, he was held off the scoresheet in the playoffs with no points in both games against the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Yan Kuznetsov bounced up and down the pairings in the 2023-24 season and with his regular partner, Colton Poolman exiting in the off-season, he needed a new teammate to skate with. This helped switch him to more of a mentorship role for an up-and-coming rookie. Kuznetsov played most of the season alongside Hunter Brzustewicz instead. This was something that came quite easy for the pairing and Kuznetsov spoke about his defensive partner at Wranglers exit meetings saying:
“He was honestly great. Like, he’s young, but he plays such a mature game. Even though he’s not a huge player, he moves so well and he reads the game really well. He’s always smooth positionally, so it was really easy to play with him, to be honest.”
Kuznetsov also mentioned he hopes he was a good help to the blue liners this year especially with so much happening around call-ups, coaching and injuries.

Next season’s expectations

This summer, Kuznetsov is in need of a new contract and is a restricted free agent. Based on his play and consistency, he has earned himself another deal, even if it is a short term one or something along the lines of a two year, two way deal. It’d be tough for him to push for a one way deal with just one Flames game on his hockey resume, but he’s still in that call-up conversation when needed. 
His entry-level contract expired last summer and Craig Conroy opted to sign him on for another year. He may be in for the same type of deal again this summer. What he can control right now is how he prepares for his next season. Kuznetsov expects to have another big summer and plans on working closely with his coach in New Jersey to best prepare himself for Flames camp.

This article is presented by Bon Ton Meat Market

A Tradition of quality products and personalized service for 104 years.
Proud to feature only the finest premium AAA Alberta Beef, Locally raised fresh pork, locally raised fresh free range chicken and turkey, fresh alberta lamb and milk fed veal.
Over 20 varieties of in store made salads,  delicious desserts and of course our famous in store made meat pies. Proud to be Calgary, and Southern Alberta’s Consumers Choice Award Winner for best Meat and Deli for 24 consecutive years! Bon Ton Meat Market, 28 Crowfoot Circle NW.

Editorials

Breaking News