Aydar Suniev enters a rookie season with the Wranglers full of possibilities

Russian-born 2023 third round draft pick Aydar Suniev made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames at the end of last season among the group of Zayne Parekh, Hunter Brzustewicz, and Sam Morton.

Now, he’s set to make his debut in his first professional season with the Calgary Wranglers. He had his time to show his skills at the prospect camp and the Flames main camp, but still needs some developing before he is in that conversation for more NHL time.

Meets expectations

Suniev has been playing in North America for many years now, so the transition we sometimes see with foreign players will be a non-factor for him. He spent some time in the BCHL, then played two seasons in the NCAA with UMass before coming to the Flames. Suniev played with speed and energy in the games he played in the preseason and will be an interesting addition to the Wranglers’ roster. 

Suniev is expected to get many opportunities with the Wranglers to start. He may have a modest start at the beginning of the season while they figure out line chemistry but he should be a top or second line winger. He plays both wings so that won’t be a limiting factor. He should land in the top five in scoring with the Wranglers. 

Exceeds expectations

For Suniev to over-perform, he’d need to do huge things in the AHL. A rookie season at an all-star calibre and production that is impossible to control. If he is immediately one of the team’s best and stringing together points night in and night out, he’s going to be hard to ignore. Suniev could be in the conversation for call-up’s and play a string of NHL games. Even more if he holds his own at that level. 

Those are big expectations to have, especially in his rookie season. However, Suniev did finish his last season with 38 points in 35 games with 20 goals and 18 assists and did put up 90 points with the Penticton Vees in 2022-23. It seems when he gets going, good things happen. 

Below expectations

For Suniev to under-perform, he’d need to have a rookie transition season where things aren’t really clicking. Scoring that comes and goes, lack of line chemistry or errors you sometimes see in young players that are costly to the team. His showings in Calgary have been limited so his expectations aren’t really unrealistic at this point. He is expected to help the roster when he’s in the AHL and if his game slips, his playing time could take a hit. 

Suniev is going to be an interesting storyline to follow this season. He feels like he’s getting close on the forwards side of the prospect pool and the more we see, the more his spot will reveal itself.