Flames head coach Ryan Huska discussed his club’s waiver decisions

The Calgary Flames pulled the trigger on some of their final roster decisions of training camp on Thursday, opting to place goaltender Ivan Prosvetov, forward Rory Kerins and defenceman Ilya Solovyov on waivers at noon.

Head coach Ryan Huska, fresh off inking a two year contract extension earlier in the day, discussed the roster decisions as part of a longer discussion with the assembled media. (Via Flames TV.)

Huska was asked about the backup goalie decision.

Ivan Prosvetov

We’re a little bit more familiar with Devin [Cooley], in what he can bring to the table. And there’s certain parts of Provy’s game that we have to work on. So getting a chance to get guys their own net, making that decision now we felt was important to us. But again, it’s fluid for us right now. We have to find guys that are going to give us a chance to win for sure.

Huska was asked about Matvei Gridin and Kerins – Gridin is waiver exempt and, as of Thursday afternoon, remains on the roster. Huska addressed both players.

Matvei Gridin

Matvei… He was one of our better players last night. I’d put him in maybe the top four. I mentioned a few names last night and I didn’t put him in there, but the skill set that he does have, the size and the pace of the game that he can play at, is important for us and our team.

Rory Kerins

With Rory, if there’s one guy that’s come the furthest, it’s probably him, with our organization, from even you look back a couple years ago. But I feel it’s important for Rory, we look at him as a top nine guy and that’s where he has to play. Right now down the middle of the ice, we have some older players in there. And we want to make sure that when Rory is here, he’s not in and out, in and out, in and out. Rory’s got to be able to contribute on a daily basis, so getting him playing was important to us. But as I said earlier with the goalie comment, there’s a lot of fluidity right now where it may not be for long.

Huska was asked how close Solovyov was to “not being in this position” (e.g., on waivers).

Ilya Solovyov

I feel like Kuznetsov was the same, Solo’s the same, and I keep going back to it, we’re not yet where we want to be, so there’s opportunity. The message to all of them is, if they get themselves through waivers, to make sure the attitude is right and the work ethic is right when you go down, because it could be two days where we may have to adjust some way or shape or form. Could be two weeks, could be four months, it could be never, but making sure they’re attitude’s the right way so that when needed they’re all set to go.

All 32 NHL clubs, including the Flames, have to submit a cap compliant roster (of 20-to-23 active players) to the NHL prior to 3 p.m. MT on Monday. The Flames begin their 2025-26 regular season on Wednesday night in Edmonton.