Calgary Forward Honzek Faces Long Recovery After Surgery

The Calgary Flames received difficult news on Friday as young forward Samuel Honzek was ruled out for up to six months after undergoing upper-body surgery. The injury is a major setback for both the player and the organization, especially as Honzek was beginning to settle into a full NHL season. The team confirmed the update and stated that his recovery will take several months, leaving him unavailable for the remainder of the regular season and early offseason activities.

Honzek’s injury happened on November 15 during a game against the Winnipeg Jets. Partway through the match, he collided with Flames captain Mikael Backlund and was forced to leave the ice immediately. It was clear from the moment of impact that the injury was serious, and further medical tests later confirmed the need for surgery. At just 21 years old, Honzek was considered one of Calgary’s promising young players, making this long absence especially disappointing for the club and its supporters.

This long recovery timeline also means Honzek will not be able to represent Team Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Slovakia had hoped to include him in their roster as part of their young talent pool, but his rehabilitation period will stretch well beyond February, making his participation impossible. It is a loss for the national team as well, as Honzek has been viewed as one of Slovakia’s rising stars in international hockey.

Honzek was drafted 16th overall by Calgary in the 2023 NHL Draft and has been regarded as a strong long-term investment for the franchise. In 18 games this season, he scored two goals and collected four total points. Although those numbers may seem modest, he was still adjusting to the pace and physicality of regular NHL play. Coaches and analysts had noted that his game was developing steadily and that he showed strong potential as a middle-six forward.

Last season, Honzek made five NHL appearances but spent most of his time with Calgary’s AHL affiliate, the Wranglers. During his run there, he recorded eight goals and 21 points across 52 games, showing steady growth and improved consistency. Many expected him to take another step forward this year, but the injury will delay that progress until late 2025.

The Calgary Flames, who are currently at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 6-13-3 record, will now have to continue without one of their young improving pieces. The club has struggled through the early part of the season, dealing with inconsistent scoring, defensive challenges, and difficulty closing out games. Losing Honzek only adds to the team’s difficulties, as the Flames try to gain momentum and climb out of last place.

Despite the setback, the Flames have expressed confidence that Honzek will return strong once his rehabilitation is complete. The team’s medical staff will monitor his progress closely over the next several months, and coaches are hopeful that he will rejoin the lineup fully healthy when training camp begins next year.

For now, Honzek’s focus will be on healing, rebuilding strength, and preparing for a long recovery. Fans of the Flames and Slovakia will be watching closely, hoping that the young forward comes back stronger than ever.