The Calgary Flames have officially signed Aydar Suniev, their 2023 third-round draft pick, to a three-year entry-level contract. This move confirms earlier reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, with Sportsnet 960’s Pat Steinberg providing additional details. Suniev will now begin his professional career, leaving behind his time at the University of Massachusetts after completing his sophomore season. Interestingly, his signing comes just moments after his UMass teammate, Cole O’Hara, secured his entry-level deal with the Nashville Predators.<\/p>
Suniev had an impressive second season in college hockey, proving himself as a key offensive contributor. He tallied 20 goals and 38 points in 35 games, building on his solid freshman year where he scored 12 goals and registered 35 points in 36 games. This season, he finished as the second-highest scorer for the UMass Minutemen, just behind O’Hara, who led the team with 51 points. While Suniev had already showcased offensive potential in his first season, his development this year has been even more promising. His confidence with the puck has grown significantly, allowing him to not only generate scoring opportunities from the perimeter but also drive play into the middle of the ice with greater efficiency.<\/p>