Calgary Flames News & Rumors: Huberdeau, Parekh, Gridin and more – Hockey Writer – Calgary Flames
In this week’s edition of Calgary Flames News & Rumors, Jonathan Huberdeau was noticeably absent during player introductions for last week’s home opener, sparking some speculation that he might be out of the lineup for some time. Meanwhile, Zayne Parekh made his debut for the 2025-26 campaign at the weekend after sitting out the first two games of the season healthy. In other news, Matvei Gridin scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. Last but not least, the Flames are reportedly looking around for a better backup option for Dustin Wolf.
Huberdeau may miss more time
Late in pre-season, Jonathan Huberdeau was forced out of the game early after being slammed into the post. The word soon after was that while he did start the regular season on injured reserve and hasn’t heard much about his status since, he wouldn’t be forced to miss much time.
Interestingly, Huberdeau didn’t sit on the bench to get fan recognition during the player introductions before the Flames’ home opener. Another injured player, Martin Pospisil, was injured, prompting speculation from Sportsnet’s Eric Francis that the Flames may be without the veteran winger for longer than initially expected.
Parikh not worried about healthy scratches
After missing the Flames’ first two games of the season due to injury, Parekh entered the lineup Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 19-year-old has had a somewhat frustrating start to the season, but fans need not worry as the young right-hander himself has no issues with it.
Related: 3 takeaways from the Flames’ 4-2 loss to the Blues
“I understand. My preseason didn’t end well,” Parekh said. “I understand that. To be honest, I thought I should have been out. It was great to watch from up there and we have a great group of leaders who always kept me positive. It was great to watch. [Vancouver] What to watch in the game [Quinn] Hughes does, and what it looks like from above. “
Parekh played more than 17 minutes in Saturday’s game, including several on the power play. He will remain in the lineup, but could become a big part of the Flames’ power play as the 2025-26 season progresses.
Gridin got his first
Perhaps the biggest news from training camp is that 19-year-old Matvei Gridin earned a spot on the opening night roster. The 2024 first-round pick made a great decision early as he scored in his NHL debut against the Edmonton Oilers.
“I tried to pass it out the back door to Matt [Coronato]. “It bounces off a guy’s skate and goes into the back of the net,” Gridin said with a laugh, “and I’m going to catch it.”
Gridding hasn’t scored since, but has appeared in all three of the Flames’ games so far. It’s been an impressive start for the young winger, although it remains to be seen whether he will remain with the Flames once Huberdeau and Martin Pospisil return from injury.
Flames may be looking for backup goaltender
The Flames appear to be already searching for a backup replacement for Dustin Wolfe, according to multiple reports. The position currently belongs to Devin Cooley, although his inconsistent performance in the preseason has many questioning whether he should continue in the role.
Wolfe has been recognized in all three Flames games so far this season, including back-to-back games against the Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. That in itself may be what forces management to look for another goaltender, as it’s important that they don’t drain Wolfe in his second NHL season.
Looking to the future, looking for the flame
The Flames have three games this week, the first of which is Tuesday at the Saddledome against the Vegas Golden Knights. They will then take on the Utah Mammoths on the road on Wednesday before a rematch against the Golden Knights on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.
