On Monday, the Calgary Flames announced the re-signing of forward Adam Klapka and defenseman Yan Kuznetsov to one-year, two-way contracts, each with an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level. Klapka, who is 23 years old and stands 6-foot-8, made his NHL debut last season, playing in six games where he scored one goal and accumulated 19 penalty minutes. He spent most of last season with the Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, where he tallied 21 goals and 46 points in 65 games.
Originally signed as a free agent by the Flames in May 2022, Klapka aims to make an impact during the upcoming training camp in September, hoping to secure a spot in the NHL roster for the preseason. Similarly, Kuznetsov signed an identical contract and also debuted in the NHL during the 2023-24 season. He played one game for the Flames on January 9 against the Ottawa Senators, logging just over 11 minutes of ice time, with two shots on goal and one blocked shot.
The 22-year-old, who was selected 50th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, spent most of last season with the Wranglers, contributing five goals and 13 points over 63 games. He also scored one goal during the Calder Cup Playoffs, appearing in six postseason games.
Kuznetsov joins fellow 2020 Flames draftees Connor Zary and Ilya Solovyov, who also made their NHL debuts last season. Flames GM Craig Conroy has been active this offseason as the team continues its rebuild. With Kuznetsov and Klapka re-signed, Conroy still has over $19 million in cap space to work with as the 2024-25 season approaches. His next priority is likely securing a deal with Solovyov before training camps begin in September.
