Flames call up more young reinforcements ahead of final game

Calgary Flames defensemen Zayne Parekh, right, and Hunter Brzustewicz (48) celebrate with goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) after defeating the Seattle Kraken in a preseason NHL hockey game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond) (Jason Redmond/AP)

The Calgary Flames have called up two more players from the AHL ahead of their final game of the season.

On Wednesday, the team announced they recalled defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz and forward Sam Morton from the Calgary Wranglers.

Hunter Brzustewicz and Sam Morton Defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz (left) and forward Sam Morton (right). (Source: Calgary Wranglers)

Brzustewicz, a former third-round pick acquired in a trade with Vancouver last year, has suited up in 69 games for the Wranglers in his first professional season.

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His 31 points, including five goals and 26 assists, are the fourth-most among rookie blueliners in the AHL.

Morton was signed as a college free agent last year. In his first year with the Wranglers, the 25-year-old centre scored 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points.

Brzustewicz and Morton join 2024 first-round pick Zayne Parekh and newly signed college prospect Aydar Suniev among the young reinforcements who could draw into the Flames’ lineup for their final game against the L.A. Kings on Thursday.

Despite their comeback win against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Flames were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday night.

Puck drop for the final game of the season in Los Angeles is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MDT on Thursday.