Yan Kuznetsov called up to Calgary Flames

Yan Kuznetsov is on his way to the show. On Friday, the Calgary Flames recalled the defenseman from the AHL Calgary Wranglers following an injury to Dennis Gilbert.

If Kuznetsov plays in the Flames’ matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, he’ll be the sixth UConn player to appear in an NHL game alongside Todd Krygier, Tage Thompson, Cole Schneider, Max Letunov and Adam Huska.

In 31 games in the AHL, Kuznetsov has two goals, five assists and a +5. Last season, he had five goals and 14 assists across 63 games with the Wranglers.

The big blue liner from Murmansk, Russia spent two years at UConn from 2019-21, where he collected three goals and 14 assists in 50 games. Following the 2020-21 season, he surprised the team by signing with the Flames despite still being just 19 years old. Kuznetsov split his first full professional season between the AHL (12 games) and the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs (25 games).

The Flames will take on the Flyers in Philadelphia at 1 p.m. ET on NHL Network.