In a night filled with excitement and anticipation, the Calgary Flames wrapped up their 2024-25 season with a resounding 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center on April 17, 2025. The game not only marked the end of the season but also the NHL debuts of four promising prospects: Zayne Parekh, Sam Morton, Hunter Brzustewicz, and Aydar Suniev. Their performances added a memorable chapter to the Flames' campaign.
Among the highlights of the evening were the first NHL goals scored by both Parekh and Morton. The 19-year-old defenseman Parekh, who was selected ninth overall in the previous year’s draft, showcased his skills with a deft redirection of a shot from Mikael Backlund. Morton, 25, made his mark by driving to the net and converting a pass from Ryan Lomberg, solidifying his status as a rising star in the Flames' lineup.
“I think that’s good as it gets,” said a beaming Parekh after the game, reflecting on the significance of his first goal. He went on to express gratitude to the friends, family, and mentors who supported him throughout his journey. Morton echoed that sentiment, stating, “Honestly, all the days growing up playing hockey and tonight is one of those nights that remind you why you love the game.”
The night was not solely about the rookies, however. Veteran Nazem Kadri also had a standout performance, scoring his 34th and 35th goals of the season, while Mikael Backlund added to his legacy with his 215th career goal. Flames goaltender Dan Vladar was instrumental in the victory, stopping 30 of 31 shots and ensuring the team maintained control throughout the match.
Head coach Ryan Huska praised the young players, saying, “A lot of exciting times today with families in town and four young guys who get the chance to play their first NHL game. It’s neat to see the smiles on their faces and even neater to see a couple of them get to score and have opportunities in this game.”
Let’s delve deeper into the performances of each of the four rookies who made their NHL debuts on this memorable night.
Zayne Parekh
Parekh, the highly-touted defenseman, played a solid game, finishing with a plus-three rating and two shots on goal. His first NHL goal came in the third period, just two minutes after Morton’s goal. Despite not dominating the game as he did in junior hockey, Parekh’s contributions were invaluable. “I wonder if I get credit for a hit and a goal, I don’t know how that works,” he joked after the game, showing his light-hearted nature.
With his impressive skill set, Parekh is expected to be a cornerstone for the Flames moving forward. He is unlikely to return to junior hockey and will be too young for the AHL next season, making him a strong candidate to remain with the Flames next year.
Sam Morton
Morton, who became the 24th former Minnesota State player to appear in an NHL game, showcased his scoring ability and tenacity. He was heavily involved in the offensive play, winning three of six faceoff attempts and consistently being around the net. His goal was a testament to his hard work and determination, as he redirected a pass from Lomberg into the net.
Morton’s journey to the NHL has been impressive. After leading the Mavericks as captain and earning accolades such as the CCHA Player of the Year, he has proven himself as a formidable player. With a restricted free agency looming this summer, his performance in this game could lead to a more significant role with the Flames next season.
Hunter Brzustewicz
Although Brzustewicz did not score, his performance was nonetheless commendable. The 20-year-old defenseman finished with a plus-two rating and two shots on goal. He appeared comfortable on the ice, showing that he belonged in the NHL. Brzustewicz had an impressive AHL season, recording 31 points, and his solid debut suggests a bright future ahead.
Aydar Suniev
Suniev, also 20 years old, signed with the Flames after completing his collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts. He played alongside Kadri and Adam Klapka, indicating the Flames’ confidence in his abilities. Suniev finished the game with a plus-two rating and one shot on goal, demonstrating his potential as a valuable asset for the Flames moving forward.
The Flames scored four goals in a span of just five and a half minutes in the third period, showcasing their offensive prowess. This explosive performance came at a crucial time, especially against a Kings team that had been on a four-game winning streak and was preparing for the playoffs.
Despite the loss, the Kings had notable performances as well. Taylor Ward scored in his NHL debut, and the team will face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with home-ice advantage for the first time.
As the Flames look ahead to the future, the contributions of Parekh, Morton, Brzustewicz, and Suniev signal a promising new chapter for the franchise. The excitement surrounding their debuts and the potential they bring to the team is palpable. With the Flames ending their season on a high note, fans can look forward to what lies ahead as these young stars continue to develop and make their mark in the NHL.
