The joke around the Calgary Wranglers was that you didn’t want to get stuck with Yan Kuznetsov as your road roommate.
Not because he snores, and not because he’s some sort of slob.
Because as this up-and-coming defenseman continued to chase his NHL dream, he wanted to be sure even on travel days that he stayed sharp with his stickhandling.
So when the Wranglers checked into a hotel, Kuznetsov would often have one his CCMs with him.
“Don’t listen to those guys, what they say,” the Flames rookie protested with a wide smile.
“They like to exaggerate that I stickhandle at 8 a.m. or something like that, and that’s not true. I had my stick stolen a couple times on the road, too.”
Whatever is deemed to be an appropriate hour to work on your dangles, the rest of the farm-clubbers won’t have to worry about it any longer.
Their good buddy—and apparently bad roomie—has officially graduated to the big leagues.
When Kuznetsov hit the ice for Sunday’s 5-2 victory in Vancouver, it marked his 10th game since he was called up from the minors in early November.
That means this Russian rearguard would require waivers to be reassigned, and the Flames would be foolish to risk it.
Besides, the 23-year-old has quickly established himself as an every-nighter in an important role.
He’s proving to be the best option as a left-shot sidekick for workhorse righty MacKenzie Weegar.
On Saturday, as the Flames scratched their way to a 3-2 shootout victory over the visiting Dallas Stars, Kuznetsov was tapped for a crucial shift on a late five-on-three penalty-kill.
He was then their busiest blue-liner in overtime.
During a grueling weekend back-to-back, he ranked third on the team in total minutes.
“He has, I think, fermented very well as a defenseman in the American League,” said Flames assistant coach Trent Cull.
Cull scored a promotion of his own after two seasons as bench boss for the Wranglers.
“And I think now you’re seeing a pretty good finished product.”
You might feel like you’re seeing a bit of a repeat.
This has become a nice November trend around the Saddledome—a youngster making the most of a call-up opportunity and never returning to the lower level.
Martin Pospisil and Connor Zary made the leap as linemates in 2023.
Now Kuznetsov joins that group of players who seized their chance when it came.
The defenseman’s work ethic has been evident since his minor league days.
His dedication to improving his skills, even in hotel rooms on the road, shows the commitment needed to reach the NHL.
That obsessive attention to detail has paid off in a big way.
Kuznetsov has adapted quickly to the speed and intensity of NHL hockey.
His ability to play tough minutes alongside Weegar demonstrates his readiness for the top level.
The coaching staff clearly trusts him in critical situations, including penalty kills and overtime periods.
The Flames organization has developed a strong pipeline of talent through their AHL affiliate.
Cull’s familiarity with Kuznetsov from his time coaching the Wranglers has helped smooth the transition.
He knew exactly what the young defenseman could bring to the NHL roster.
Calgary’s decision to keep Kuznetsov reflects both his performance and the team’s needs.
With the waiver requirement now in place, sending him down would risk losing him to another team.
No organization wants to see a prospect they’ve developed claimed by a rival.
Kuznetsov’s playing style fits well with modern NHL trends.
His mobility and puck-moving ability complement Weegar’s offensive instincts.
The pairing has shown chemistry in a relatively short time together.
The 23-year-old still has room to grow and improve.
But his foundation is solid, built through hours of practice even when teammates thought he was crazy for bringing his stick to hotels.
That dedication separates NHL players from those who don’t quite make it.
For the Wranglers, losing Kuznetsov to the parent club is bittersweet.
They’re proud to see him succeed but will miss his contributions on the ice.
His departure creates opportunity for other prospects to step up and fill the void.
Kuznetsov’s journey from obsessive hotel stickhandler to NHL regular is now complete.
The rookie has earned his spot through hard work, skill development, and seizing his opportunity when called upon.
Calgary fans should be excited about what he brings to their blue line for years to come.
