2025 Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings: Honourable Mention, Samuel Honzek

Honzek’s development so far

Before his second season in the WHL and first as a Flames prospect, Honzek was named captain of the Vancouver Giants. Unfortunately, in a preseason game against the Oilers, he sustained a lower-body injury, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. This setback caused him to miss the first 25 games of the season before returning to the Giants.

Honzek played in 33 games in his D+1 season, a decrease from the 43 games he played in the following year. He averaged around a point per game, finishing with 31 points, but did see a decline in goal production, scoring only ten goals, a fall from the 23 he had in his draft year.

Last season, Honzek had a solid preseason, recording a league-leading seven points, which earned him a spot on the opening night roster with the Flames. After appearing in five games with the Flames with no points, Honzek would go down with yet another injury. 

The rookie missed a few weeks with an upper-body injury, making his return at the end of October and being sent down to the Wranglers. Honzek played 52 games with the Wranglers, scoring eight goals and picking up 21 points, in his first pro season in the AHL.

After the season, Honzek represented Slovakia at the IIHF World Championship, earning two points in six games before being eliminated and finishing the tournament in sixth place.

Honzek’s strengths and weaknesses

At 6’3″ and 186 pounds, Honzek effectively utilizes his size in terms of positioning and remains a strong playmaker and scorer.

Although he only scored eight goals in his first pro season with the Wranglers, some of his goals were highlight-reel worthy, like what we saw from the forward in last year’s preseason with the Flames. 

Honzek has dealt with many injuries in his young career, so the winger has yet to play in a full season of hockey since coming over to North America.

Honzek’s next steps

Like we said in last season’s rankings, Honzek needs to stay healthy and put together a strong full season before he can make his full-time jump to the NHL.

If the Flames can develop Honzek into a centre as opposed to a winger, he could make for a great replacement for Michael Backlund, who enters the last year of his contract.

Honzek may not become a top-six player for the Flames, but his size and skill could make him a valuable bottom-six player if he can overcome his injury issues.