**Calgary Flames Adjusting Roster Early in Season** The Calgary Flames are navigating a busy start to the 2025-26 NHL season, with only two players on their 23-man roster yet to see game action. Daniil Miromanov and Devin Cooley remain healthy scratches, but head coach Ryan Huska is expected to integrate them into the lineup soon. The Flames have already played three games in the first four days of the season, with another back-to-back series approaching. This demanding schedule has prompted Huska to rotate players frequently to keep the team fresh. The management of playing time has sparked discussions among fans and analysts in Calgary. The decision to sit defenseman Zayne Parekh for the first two games drew significant attention on social media. However, Parekh expressed his agreement with the choice, which may help ease some of the concerns. Huska explained the rationale behind the roster decisions, stating, "It’s going to depend on how our team is playing and who we’re playing on any given night. We felt we needed more speed and size, and that’s where Sam Honzek comes in to play." He added, "(When) a guy gets an opportunity, my hope is they’re going to grab hold of it and not let it go. If they have an off-night, we feel we have the depth to put someone in and give someone else an opportunity to grab hold of." The Flames are also anticipating the return of Martin Pospisil and Jonathan Huberdeau, who have missed the initial games due to injuries. Pospisil is closer to returning, and both players are expected to contribute once they are back on the ice. In the meantime, Huska has had to make adjustments. Parekh made his season debut in a recent game, partnering with Brayden Pachal, while Jake Bean was moved to the press box. The inclusion of Honzek meant Justin Kirkland sat out, with Connor Zary shifting to the fourth-line center position and Honzek joining Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman on the ice. The compressed schedule this season, influenced by the Olympics, requires teams to manage their rosters carefully. The Flames are no exception, especially with young players like Honzek, Parekh, and Matvei Gridin stepping into significant roles. Gridin has played in all three games so far, even appearing on the top line alongside Nazem Kadri and Matt Coronato against the St. Louis Blues. As the Flames prepare to host the Vegas Golden Knights, questions remain about the lineup decisions. Huska acknowledged the challenges of developing young talent in a competitive league, stating, "There is some patience, some. There’s a fine line because it’s not a league where you want guys to develop in, because it can cost you points from time to time. I’m not saying any of them did that tonight. "They’re good players and we want them to be really great players as we move forward. I think it’s our job as coaches to put these young guys in positions to succeed and they each bring something that I feel can help our team win games." As the season progresses, the Flames will continue to rely on their depth and adaptability to navigate the challenges ahead.
Calgary Flames Adjusting Roster Early in Season

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