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The Calgary Flames have signed Aydar Suniev to an ELC

Originally posted on The Win Column | By Gurpal Singh | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 6:59 PM ET

The Calgary Flames have announced that they’ve signed prospect Aydar (EYE-DAR) Suniev to a three-year entry-level contract. The 20-year-old winger has been playing college hockey for the last two seasons with UMass-Amherst and was a third-round pick by the Flames in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The contract’s AAV is $923,333.

Suniev’s emergence within Calgary’s prospect system has been noticeable. He’s had a productive season, scoring 20 goals and 38 points in 36 games, and recently turned heads as he scored the game-winning goal to upset Minnesota in the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament last Thursday.

SUNIEV WITH THE OT WINNER FOR @UMassHockey #NCAAHockey x ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/RWXsAsi0yt
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 28, 2025

Suniev’s growth is only going to increase

It’s good work by the Flames to get Suniev locked up, as now he’ll be able to take the next steps towards his development. The Russian native was actually drafted by the third-round pick Calgary acquired in the Tyler Toffoli trade, along with Yegor Sharangovich. If Suniev develops into a notable player for the Flames moving forward, then it’ll only make the Toffoli trade look even better, despite it initially receiving a bunch of criticism.

He’ll now be able to play professional hockey in the AHL and may even get a look at some NHL games. Flames fans have been calling for the team to start giving looks towards their young players, as the team’s playoff chances are looking slimmer by the day.

As for what the Flames are getting in Suniev, he’s an intriguing power forward who’s also a sneaky good goal scorer. Development programs in college are often quite strong, so there’s a good chance Suniev already has the tools to become a great pro.

This article first appeared on The Win Column and was syndicated with permission.

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