Pospisil’s heavy-hitting return a bright spot in Flames’ loss to Penguins

CALGARY — Martin Pospisil’s long-awaited season debut was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise dreary night for the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.

In a listless 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pospisil threw a game-high five hits as he returned from a concussion that had sidelined him all season.

“I thought Marty was one of our better players tonight,” said coach Ryan Husksa. “You wondered what he would be like his first two shifts, but I think he led our team in hits, which is the way he plays, and there are some bigger hits that he throws out there.”

It had been over nine months since his last NHL game.

“It was great to be back,” said the rugged 26-year-old forward, who played 12:51. “It’s been a long time that I didn’t play with the guys.”

Pospisil, who tied for third in NHL hits last season, was recalled on Tuesday from the AHL after a two-game conditioning stint. With Jonathan Huberdeau (lower body) a scratch, Pospisil slotted into his spot on the left side of Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee.

“Even his first shift, he tried to get on the forecheck right away. Tried to finish a hit,” Huska said. “So you knew right away, and I said that before, I thought he got to his game when he played for the (Calgary) Wranglers as well. He didn’t shy away.”

The return to health was a slow road riddled with setbacks for Pospisil, taking a mental toll.

“It wasn’t really fun, especially for my girl, she didn’t see me happy for a lot of days over the last couple months. It wasn’t easy for her,” he said. “We just have to go day by day and I know it’s cliché, but you have to stay positive.

“If you’re out for that long, it’s sometimes more mentally. Try to find something other than hockey that you enjoy, and I know it was hard, but now I feel good, I feel happy, and I’m happy that I can play with the guys.”

Huska was asked if he’s seen more smiles from Pospisil as he prepared to return to the line-up.

“There has been the last couple days,” Huska confirmed. “I think even being around the teammates more, instead of just one of the medical guys or some of the other guys that are currently injured, it’s nice to be in the group setting and on the ice with them again, and you can see that absolutely.”

Viewed as an integral piece and part of the Flames future, Pospisil signed a three-year contract extension on Jul. 30, 2025.

“It’s great to see Pospi back. It’s tough when guys are off that long,” said captain Mikael Backlund. “It’s been really tough on him, especially, but really good to see him come back and bring him energy. We’ve missed him all year, so it’s good to see him back.”

Slated to represent Slovakia in the Olympics, Pospisil said the return to his normal style of play came second nature.

“When I’m on the ice, I don’t really realize that I’m hitting somebody. I just play my game and try to do harder job and just make it harder on the other team,” he said. “I want to play physical, play fast, it’s hard to play against.”

As he gets more comfortable, he hopes he can bring a spark to a team, that has been limited to two goals in two games since Sunday’s trade that sent defenceman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights.

“We need to bring more energy and it’s starting with me,” said Pospisil. “Doesn’t matter how long I didn’t play, we need to be better, and especially in front of our fans.”

Yegor Sharangovich scored Calgary’s lone goal. Dustin Wolf lost for the sixth time in his last seven starts.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 22, 2026.