2026 Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings: #12 Aydar Suniev

Aydar Suniev was selected 80th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Flames using the draft pick they received in the Tyler Toffoli trade. Since then, Suniev has made his way into the AHL, scoring 24 points in 57 games this past season with the Wranglers, as well as appearing in seven NHL games.

Suniev’s development so far

Suniev’s production rose as he continued his NCAA journey. This past season, he got his first look at professional hockey, joining the Wranglers full-time. He also continued getting looks in the NHL as well, recording his first NHL point with the Flames. The expectation is that Suniev continues his upward trajectory with the Wranglers in hopes of getting more NHL looks.

Suniev’s Strengths

Shot and goalscoring ability

Suniev’s defining offensive weapon is his shot. He possesses a heavy, accurate wrist shot with very little wasted motion, allowing him to beat goaltenders cleanly from distance or release the puck quickly in high-danger areas. He is equally dangerous on one-timers, making him a legitimate power play threat from the face-off circles. His mechanics, release, and ability to change shooting angles make him one of the better pure finishers in Calgary’s prospect pool. Flames GM Craig Conroy has even compared Suniev’s shot to fellow Flame Matt Coronato, illustrating just how highly the organization views his finishing ability.

Hockey IQ

Suniev’s offensive production is driven by more than just his shot. He consistently reads plays well before they develop, allowing him to arrive in scoring areas at the right time and make smart decisions with the puck. Rather than forcing low-percentage plays, he shows patience in possession and understands when to shoot, pass, or attack open space. His ability to anticipate defensive coverage helps him create separation without relying on elite speed, making him an efficient offensive player whose game projects well to higher levels.

Suniev’s Weaknesses

Defensive consistency

Suniev has the size and hockey IQ to become a reliable two-way winger, but his defensive game still requires refinement. He can be inconsistent away from the puck, particularly in his defensive-zone coverage and overall engagement when his team doesn’t have possession. Improving his positioning, defensive awareness, and ability to consistently support below the hash marks will help him earn the trust of NHL coaches and increase his versatility.

Overall pace of play

While Suniev thinks the game well, he will need to play with a quicker overall pace against professional competition. At the NCAA level, his skill and size allowed him to buy himself extra time with the puck, but those windows become much smaller in the AHL and NHL. Improving the speed of his decision-making and execution will help him maximize his offensive toolkit and prevent defenders from closing on him before he can create scoring chances.

Suniev’s next steps

Suniev will continue to play for the Wranglers next season and will likely get more opportunities for NHL games. The key is to adjust to the professional environment in hopes that his game can evolve. If all goes well, Suniev has immense potential and very well could become a steal from where he was drafted.

NHL projection

Ceiling: Top-six power forward/scoring winger

Likely Outcome: Middle-six scoring winger

Floor: Bottom-six winger

NHL timeline projection

For Suniev to make the roster full-time, it could take a season or two. However, expect to see him get more chances in the Flames’ lineup, especially with the team in the midst of a rebuild.

See our other articles on our list of prospect rankings for 2026:

• #13: Henry Mews
• #14: Theo Stockselius 
• #15: Mace’o Phillips 
• Honourable Mentions