Calgary Flames activated Samuel Honzek from the injured reserve on Wednesday and assigned the forward to the Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League, Športky.sk reported.
The 21-year-old winger returns after missing over a month with an undisclosed lower-body injury. He sustained the issue on October 9 during a 7-3 loss against the Colorado Avalanche, appearing in only four games this season without recording a point while averaging 15 minutes and 39 seconds of ice time.
Honzek practiced fully with Calgary on Tuesday for the first time since his injury, though he skated as an extra outside the standard four forward lines, according to TERAZ.sk. His demotion to the AHL aims to rebuild his match fitness after the lengthy absence.
“Samuel Honzek is already in such a health condition that they can send him to the AHL to play,” said Sportsnet reporter and analyst Eric Francis.
Earlier injury setbacks
Honzek has faced major health problems at the start of each of his North American professional seasons. A concussion sustained from a hit by Connor Murphy against the Chicago Blackhawks derailed the beginning of his 2024-25 rookie campaign.
Last November, a collision with teammate Mikael Backlund required shoulder surgery that ended his season early and cost him a spot at the Milan Olympic tournament. He debuted in the NHL during the 2024-25 season, accumulating 27 career appearances with two goals and two assists.
Wranglers schedule ahead
The Calgary Wranglers play next on Thursday and Saturday on the road against the Henderson Silver Knights, giving the Slovak forward an immediate opportunity for game action. While his timeline for an NHL recall remains open, the AHL assignment provides the controlled minutes necessary to test his recovery following more than a month on the sidelines.
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