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CALGARY — Hunter Brzustewicz sees a clear path to patrolling the blue line for the Calgary Flames in the not-too-distant future.

The 19-year-old defenseman, acquired by the Flames in the trade that sent center Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31, has set his sights on leapfrogging his way to the pro ranks in Calgary after a standout season with Kitchener of the Ontario Hockey League.

“During the Flames development camp in July, Brzustewicz expressed his hopes of making the team. He added that regardless of the outcome, he would be playing professional hockey the following year and promised to give it his best shot,”

Brzustewicz may have been taken aback by the midseason trade, but he stated that the exchange helped pave a clearer path to the NHL, and he embraced the transition.

“Absolutely, I’m really excited about it,” Brzustewicz, who is turning 20 on November 29th, expressed.

“When Lindholm was traded while I was watching Netflix and lounging in bed, I was aware he was headed to Vancouver. However, I didn’t anticipate being involved in it. Amidst a game of Fortnite, my agent phoned me, cautioning me to ‘keep your eyes up.’ I questioned him, ‘Am I a part of it?’ But even he wasn’t certain at that point. Then I received a text from Canucks’ General Manager, Patrik Allvin, requesting a call.”

His performance in the 2023-24 season elevated him to a sought-after prospect that was ultimately targeted by the Flames.

Brzustewicz, who was initially picked by Vancouver in the third round (No. 75) of the 2023 NHL Draft, ended up as the second-highest scoring defenseman in the OHL with 92 points (13 goals, 79 assists) in 67 games for Kitchener. He was only surpassed by Zayne Parekh, another Flames prospect, who scored 96 points (33 goals, 63 assists) for Saginaw.

“Craig Conroy, the Calgary general manager, expressed admiration for [Brzustewicz]. He highlighted his subtle, high-end plays and his ability to maneuver the puck, indicating that many people may not fully appreciate these skills. Conroy praised [Brzustewicz] for his offensive vision on the ice and shared the team’s excitement in acquiring him. He also mentioned Zayne, another player in the OHL who, along with [Brzustewicz], scored 90 points this year, a feat Conroy found highly impressive.”

As a result, Brzustewicz will be departing from the OHL ranks.

“Frankly, I see no valid reason for him to return to junior,” stated Ray Edwards, Calgary’s Director of Player Development. “Of course, it’s a significant leap. However, it’s our responsibility to ensure it’s feasible. We need to assist, guide, and nurture his skills to prepare him for this opportunity.”

He is joining us as a newcomer and we’re getting to know him. We’re establishing a relationship and understanding, figuring out our methods and how they align with his. I believe he’s in a favorable position and has spent a substantial amount of time with us, including the end of the season. Now, as he joins us this year, he has a clear understanding of our ethos.

Brzustewicz will be in Calgary this fall. The question is whether he will be with the Flames or their American Hockey League affiliate, both of which play at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

“Where ‘here’ refers to is a question, but in Calgary, I would see him being with us…” said Conroy.