6 Flames prospects that are killing it so far this season

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As solid of a start as the Calgary Flames have had to the 2024-25 season, what’s even more exciting is how well some of their prospects are playing.

The Flames were not expected to be a very competitive group this season, but they have a 7-5-1 record through 13 games. Whether the success can last over the course of an entire 82-game schedule remains to be seen, but it’s been a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

Despite the early success, Flames fans are well aware that this team is building toward the future. That future is looking even brighter lately, as the organization has several prospects who are lighting it up early into their respective 2024-25 campaigns.

1. Rory Kerins

  • Team: Calgary Wranglers (AHL)
  • Position: C/LW
  • 2024-25 stats: 36 GP, 9 G, 3 A, 12 PTS

After a 2021-22 season in the OHL in which he managed 118 points, Rory Kerins began looking like a major draft steal, having been selected in the sixth round in 2020. After spending his first season of pro hockey in the ECHL, however, his stock had seemingly dropped.

Kerins was able to re-establish himself somewhat last season after a respectable 32-point season in the AHL, though it pales in comparison to what he’s done so far in 2024-25. He is tied for the league lead in goals with nine, while his 12 points are tied for third.

2. Arseni Sergeev

  • Team: Pennsylvania State University (NCAA)
  • Position: G
  • 2024-25 stats: 7 GP, 1.71 GAA, .929 SV%

Arseni Sergeev made the decision to hit the transfer portal after two seasons with the University of Connecticut, and it looks to have been a great one in the early going. After being in a near 50/50 split last season, the 21-year-old has started all seven of Penn State’s games so far in 2024-25 and is playing his best hockey at the collegiate level.

The Flames seem to have a knack for finding goalies late in the draft, as Sergeev was selected in the seventh round in 2021. While he has a long way to go before reaching Dustin Wolf’s heights, he’s a prospect worth getting excited about.

3. Aydar Suniev

  • Team: University of Massachusetts Amherst (NCAA)
  • Position: LW
  • 2024-25 stats: 8 GP, 6 G, 4 A, 10 PTS

While receiving Yegor Sharangovich was enough to make the Tyler Toffoli trade a win for the Flames, getting Aydar Suniev out of it also makes it even better. The Flames received a 2023 third-round pick from the New Jersey Devils in the deal, which they used to select the 19-year-old.

Despite his age, Suniev is already playing in his sophomore season for UMass-Amherst. His six goals through just eight games lead his team, while his 10 points are second. The Flames appear to have a very legitimate prospect on their hands here.

4. Jacob Battaglia

  • Team: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
  • Position: RW/LW
  • 2024-25 stats: 17 GP, 12 G, 13 A, 25 PTS

Jacob Battaglia hasn’t been discussed much when it comes to top Flames prospects, though that could soon change. The 18-year-old is still new to the organization, having been selected 62nd overall in this year’s draft.

After finishing just under a point-per-game pace last season, Battaglia has come out flying in 2024-25. Both his 12 goals and 25 points lead his Frontenacs teammates, and if he can continue this type of production, there will be many NHL teams kicking themselves for not drafting him earlier.

5. Etienne Morin

  • Team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
  • Position: D
  • 2024-25 stats: 15 GP, 4 G, 14 A, 18 PTS

After a bit of a step backwards offensively in 2023-24, Etienne Morin is back to producing big numbers once again. The 19-year-old, who signed his entry-level deal with the Flames this past summer, has 18 points in 15 outings this season.

To Morin’s credit, his numbers regressing in 2023-24 came as a result of trying to tidy up his defensive play, which, by all accounts, he did. He is a better all-around player because of it and is one of several intriguing prospects the Flames boast on the back end.

6. Zayne Parekh

  • Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
  • Position: D
  • 2024-25 stats: 13 GP, 4 G, 11 A, 15 PTS

It may not be the same level of production we saw from him last season, but Zayne Parekh is on track to have himself another great year. The Flames’ top prospect, whom they selected ninth overall in June, currently sits with 15 points in 13 games.

Based on the 96 points we saw from Parekh with the Spirit in 2023-24, there’s reason to believe his totals will only get better this year as the season moves along. Nonetheless, Flames fans witnessed just how special he was in exhibition play this fall and will undoubtedly continue to monitor him for the remainder of the season.

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