Flames fall to 0-4-0 as rookie Castagna assists in NHL debut
Calgary called up prospects Jonathan Castagna and Aydar Suniev after waiving Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal earlier in the week.
The winless Calgary Flames dropped a 7-3 decision to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night, falling to a league-worst 0-4-0 to start the season. The lone bright spot was the NHL debut of 21-year-old centre Jonathan Castagna, who picked up an assist after winning a puck battle that set up a first-period goal from linemate Adam Klapka, tying the game 1-1.
Castagna, a Toronto native and 2023 third-round pick acquired from the Utah Mammoth in last year's MacKenzie Weegar trade, was called up alongside fellow rookie Aydar Suniev. The pair were promoted after the Flames placed winger Connor Zary and defenceman Brayden Pachal on waivers Monday, sending both to the AHL once they cleared.
Colorado scored five unanswered goals after the first period to pull away, improving to 3-1-0. Castagna finished his debut with three faceoff wins, three hits and a blocked shot over more than nine minutes of ice time, with his parents and girlfriend in attendance. Head coach Ryan Huska and captain Mikael Backlund both praised his composure and energy.
The Flames, outscored 23-6 through four games, next face the Anaheim Ducks in a home-and-home series starting Saturday as they continue searching for their first win of the season.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.