Two Calgary Flames claimed off waivers: Adam Ruzicka to Arizona, Nick DeSimone to New Jersey

Ruzicka, 24, was a fourth-round pick by the Flames back at the 2017 NHL Draft. At the time of his selection, his reputation within the Ontario Hockey League among scouts was that he was physically gifted and very talented, but he lacked consistency. He hasn’t really shaken that reputation as a pro.

Now in his fifth pro season, Ruzicka has 40 points in 114 NHL games and 68 points in 98 AHL games (all with the Flames organization). Able to play both centre and left wing, Ruzicka just hasn’t found an identity at the NHL level. He’s not quite consistent enough a play-maker or play-driver to play in the top nine, and he’s not quite good enough defensively or as a checker to be on the fourth line. In essence, he’s a talented player that just hasn’t carved out a role for himself yet. He’ll get a fresh start in Arizona.

DeSimone, 29, was a free agent signing by the Flames back in the 2021 off-season. Since then, he’s settled into their system quite nicely. Is he a high-end NHL talent? Honestly, probably not. But he’s a reliable, consistent two-way defender on a third pairing. And he’s somebody that can be paired with developing youngsters in the AHL and help them develop – he did that last season intensively with Ilya Solovyov.

Now in his seventh pro season, DeSimone has five points in 27 NHL games and 176 points in 341 AHL games (split primarily between the Flames and San Jose Sharks systems). If nothing else, he’ll give New Jersey solid depth minutes.

The Flames active roster is now down to 21 players: two goaltenders, six defencemen and 13 forwards.