Calgary Flames activated forward Samuel Honzek from injured reserve on Wednesday and promptly assigned him to the Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League, according to the team’s official social media updates.
The 21-year-old winger returns to competitive action after missing over a month due to a lower-body injury sustained during an October matchup.
Honzek recovers from lower-body issue after October 9 game
Honzek last appeared in an NHL lineup on October 9 in a 7:3 contest against the Colorado Avalanche, where he suffered the undisclosed lower-body issue. Sportnet reported that the forward logged an average ice time of 15 minutes and 39 seconds across four appearances this season without recording a point. On Tuesday, he participated in his first full practice with the Flames, though he skated as an extra player outside the standard four forward lines, as noted by TERAZ.sk.
Pat Steinberg reported on the social media platform X that in the upcoming match against the New York Rangers, he would likely still not play, as he was preparing as an extra player outside the four lines. Alongside Honzek, experienced forward Jonathan Huberdeau also practiced as an extra player on Tuesday as he returns following hip surgery.
“Určite je bližšie k návratu. Keď absolvuje celý tréning v drese, ktorý umožňuje kontakt, znamená to, že sa približuje. Robí všetko potrebné, aby sa mohol vrátiť do zostavy,” said Ryan Huska, head coach of the Calgary Flames.
Sportnet also cited Eric Francis on the rationale behind the AHL assignment: “Samuel Honzek je už zdravotne v takom stave, že ho môžu poslať do AHL, aby sa rozohral.” The assignment aims to help the young forward regain his game rhythm following the prolonged absence.
Previous Early-Season Setbacks
This latest absence continues an unfortunate pattern of early-season health struggles for the Slovak forward. During the opening stages of the 2024/25 campaign, a concussion from a hit by Connor Murphy against the Chicago Blackhawks sidelined him.
Later that same year in November, a collision with teammate Mikael Backlund required shoulder surgery that wiped out the remainder of his NHL season and cost him an appearance at the Milan Olympic tournament. Across his brief career in the major league, Honzek has accumulated 27 total appearances with two goals and two assists.
Forward Sam Honzek has been assigned to the @AHLWranglers. pic.twitter.com/FTMmRd2bql
Flames forward configurations following Honzek and Huberdeau return
SlovakNHL outlined potential forward configurations analyzed by Ryan Pike of Flames Nation, noting that Honzek could slot into a physical fourth line alongside Jonathan Castagna and Adam Klapka once fully integrated. Ryan Pike of the Flames Nation portal examined how the forward formations of the Flames could look following the return of Slovak forward Samuel Honzek and Jonathan Huberdeau, noting that the projected attacks upon the return of both Honzek and Huberdeau according to Pike are Yegor Sharangovich – Morgan Frost – Jonathan Huberdeau, Joel Farabee – Mikael Backlund – Matt Coronato, Matvei Gridin – Martin Pospíšil – Ryan Strome, and Samuel Honzek – Jonathan Castagna – Adam Klapka.
It is of interest to Slovak fans that in both scenarios Pike counts on a regular spot for both Pospíšil and Honzek. Meanwhile, Honzek’s compatriot Martin Pospíšil practiced as a line center with Matvei Gridin and Ryan Strome, while defenseman Šimon Nemec skated in a pairing with Joel Hanley.
Regarding roster moves, it is anticipated that upon the return of Sam Honzek, Brennan Othmann will likely drop out of the lineup, as he is currently dealing with a minor injury and is being replaced in the lineup by William Stromgren. Meanwhile, the Calgary Wranglers are scheduled to play back-to-back road games against the Henderson Silver Knights on Thursday and Saturday.
Questions about Samuel Honzek's NHL debut and stats
When did Samuel Honzek make his NHL debut?
Honzek made his debut in the National Hockey League during the 2024/2025 season.
What team did Honzek face in his final game before injury?
He played his last game of the recent stint against the Colorado Avalanche on October 9.
How many points has Honzek recorded in the NHL?
He has collected four points, consisting of two goals and two assists across 27 career games.
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