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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 joining the team. He said, ‘I hope I come here with the intention of making it to the team. Regardless, I am going to play professional hockey next year. I will do my best.'”

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

“Absolutely, I’m extremely thrilled,” Brzustewicz, who will celebrate his 20th birthday on Nov. 29, expressed.

When Lindholm got traded, I was engrossed in Netflix, comfortably lying in bed. I had anticipated his move to Vancouver, but never foresaw myself being involved. As I was engrossed in a game of Fortnite, a call from my agent disrupted me. ‘Hey, keep your eyes up,’ he advised. Unsure, I asked him, ‘Am I a part of it?’ He was uncertain. It was then that I received a text from Canucks’ general manager, Patrik Allvin, requesting a call.

His performance in the 2023-24 season elevated him to a coveted prospect, ultimately leading the Flames to target him.

Brzustewicz was initially chosen by Vancouver in the third round (No. 75) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He 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 outscored by his fellow Flames prospect, Zayne Parekh, who scored 96 points (33 goals, 63 assists) for Saginaw.

“Observing [Brzustewicz], the mini plays he orchestrates, his handling of the puck, his perception of the ice…these are sophisticated, understated moves that may go unnoticed,” remarked Craig Conroy, General Manager of Calgary. “He has an exceptional offensive vision of the ice. We were thrilled to acquire him. Both he and Zayne have performed exceptionally in the OHL this year, each scoring 90 points. That’s highly commendable.”

As a result, Brzustewicz will depart from the OHL ranks.

“Frankly, I can’t fathom why he’d return to junior,” stated Ray Edwards, Calgary’s director of player development. “It’s clearly a significant move, but we need to figure out a strategy to facilitate this transition and provide him with the necessary support, coaching, and development to prepare him for that chance.”

He’s joining us afresh and we’re getting to know him. We’re establishing a relationship and figuring out our mutual expectations and methods. I believe he’s in an advantageous position as he’s been with us for a while. He was even here at the end of the last season, so now, as he joins us this year, he has a clear understanding of our ethos.

Brzustewicz is set to be in Calgary this fall, the only uncertainty is whether he will be with the Flames or their American Hockey League affiliate, both of whom play at Scotiabank Saddledome.

“Conroy said, “I imagine him being with us here…” He added, “The location is still a question, but presumably in Calgary.”