When the Calgary Flames hit the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome for training camp this September, three familiar names from the Wranglers’ blue line will be fighting for bigger opportunities. All drafted in 2020, these players have spent the last few seasons sharpening their skills in the AHL—and now they’re ready to make their case in the NHL.
Why Ilya Solovyov could stick with the Calgary Flames this fallWhen Flames training camp begins in Calgary this September, expect 23-year-old Ilya Solovyov to push for a roster spot. Drafted in the seventh round (205th overall) in 2020, Solovyov brings size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), smooth skating, and a physical edge to the table. He appeared in five NHL games last season, picking up an assist and earning praise for his poise under pressure.
Speaking after a late-season game at the Saddledome, a Wranglers coach said, “He’s shown he can join the rush without sacrificing defensive structure.” His two-year contract now shifts to a one-way deal for 2025-26, signaling the organization’s belief that he’s ready for regular NHL minutes.
What Yan Kuznetsov brings to the Calgary Flames’ blue line in 2025-26 Yan Kuznetsov, the Flames’ second-round pick in 2020 (50th overall), made his NHL debut on January 9, 2024, in Ottawa. That game might have been brief, but it confirmed his potential as a shutdown option. At 22, Kuznetsov plays a steady, stay-at-home style built on positioning and strength. Last season, he logged 72 games with the Wranglers, finishing with 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) and an impressive plus-21 rating.
During Calgary’s summer development camp, Flames brass highlighted his reliability, noting that his new two-year deal—which becomes a one-way in its second year—reflects the team’s expectation for him to compete at the NHL level this season.
Jeremie Poirier : the offensive wild card the Calgary Flames can’t ignoreFew prospects in the Flames’ pipeline bring the offensive spark that Jeremie Poirier offers. Drafted 72nd overall in 2020, Poirier thrives on generating chances, running the power play, and making bold plays from the blue line. After battling injury early in his pro career, he roared back last season with 42 points (5 goals, 37 assists) in 71 games for the Wranglers.
Speaking at a team event in Calgary this June, Poirier admitted, “I know consistency is the key. If I clean that up, I can help this team win.” While his minus-9 rating underscores the need for defensive growth, his offensive upside is hard to ignore.
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the Flames’ patient development strategy is about to pay off. Solovyov looks poised to crack the roster, Kuznetsov brings defensive reliability, and Poirier could provide the offensive edge Calgary needs. All three were drafted in 2020, grew within the organization, and now have their shot at making an impact.
Also Read: Chicago Blackhawks avoid arbitration, sign Arvid Soderblom to two-year, $5.5M deal
Why Ilya Solovyov could stick with the Calgary Flames this fallWhen Flames training camp begins in Calgary this September, expect 23-year-old Ilya Solovyov to push for a roster spot. Drafted in the seventh round (205th overall) in 2020, Solovyov brings size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), smooth skating, and a physical edge to the table. He appeared in five NHL games last season, picking up an assist and earning praise for his poise under pressure.
🔥Flames Goal🔥
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) December 6, 2023
Ilya Solovyov picks up his first NHL point on this Connor Zary tip!
4-2 Wild pic.twitter.com/jItv6l4DIs
Speaking after a late-season game at the Saddledome, a Wranglers coach said, “He’s shown he can join the rush without sacrificing defensive structure.” His two-year contract now shifts to a one-way deal for 2025-26, signaling the organization’s belief that he’s ready for regular NHL minutes.
What Yan Kuznetsov brings to the Calgary Flames’ blue line in 2025-26 Yan Kuznetsov, the Flames’ second-round pick in 2020 (50th overall), made his NHL debut on January 9, 2024, in Ottawa. That game might have been brief, but it confirmed his potential as a shutdown option. At 22, Kuznetsov plays a steady, stay-at-home style built on positioning and strength. Last season, he logged 72 games with the Wranglers, finishing with 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) and an impressive plus-21 rating.
During Calgary’s summer development camp, Flames brass highlighted his reliability, noting that his new two-year deal—which becomes a one-way in its second year—reflects the team’s expectation for him to compete at the NHL level this season.
Jeremie Poirier, Yan Kuznetsov, and Rory Kerins have vastly different situations heading into their new contracts. Lots of fun stats in this one.
— TrevorNeufeld (@Trevor_Neufeld) July 18, 2025
Three Contracts, Three Storylines: Calgary Flames Ink Poirier, Kuznetsov and Kerins#Flames https://t.co/v2FL61bRkc
Jeremie Poirier : the offensive wild card the Calgary Flames can’t ignoreFew prospects in the Flames’ pipeline bring the offensive spark that Jeremie Poirier offers. Drafted 72nd overall in 2020, Poirier thrives on generating chances, running the power play, and making bold plays from the blue line. After battling injury early in his pro career, he roared back last season with 42 points (5 goals, 37 assists) in 71 games for the Wranglers.
Speaking at a team event in Calgary this June, Poirier admitted, “I know consistency is the key. If I clean that up, I can help this team win.” While his minus-9 rating underscores the need for defensive growth, his offensive upside is hard to ignore.
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the Flames’ patient development strategy is about to pay off. Solovyov looks poised to crack the roster, Kuznetsov brings defensive reliability, and Poirier could provide the offensive edge Calgary needs. All three were drafted in 2020, grew within the organization, and now have their shot at making an impact.
Also Read: Chicago Blackhawks avoid arbitration, sign Arvid Soderblom to two-year, $5.5M deal
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