Flames’ Miromanov excited to make season debut against former team

Calgary Flames defenceman Daniil Miromanov, injured in the pre-season, will make his season debut against his former team—the Vegas Golden Knights.

Calgary Flames defenceman Daniil Miromanov was injured in the pre-season but is now back to full health and will make his season debut on Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Miromanov says he’s looking forward to it.

“(I’m) very excited,” the 28-year-old said.

“It’s not the training camp that I wanted, but I’m super excited, super happy and blessed. I mean, another day here in the NHL—it’s a blessing, and (I’m) excited for my best.”

Paired with Weegar

Miromanov will be paired with MacKenzie Weegar against the Golden Knights, so Weegar will shift to the left side.

The two played quite a bit together when Miromanov first arrived in Calgary in the 2023-24 season.

Weegar says he has always liked playing with the Russian rearguard.

“I’m looking forward to giving him a little kickstart—getting him back playing,” Weegar said.

“I know he’s excited, which makes me excited. It gives me another little boost.

“I’m excited to get back on that left side—I enjoy playing on the left side, so Miromanov and I are looking forward to playing a good game.”

With Miromanov playing with Weegar, head coach Ryan Huska had to make another change to his defence pairings.

Joel Hanley will now play with rookie Zayne Parekh.

Huska says putting Miromanov back with Weegar wasn’t a tough decision.

“They played quite a bit together initially—this was looking back a while ago,” Huska said.

“I think Daniil, when he’s on his game, he’s a big body and has a good stick very similar to what Kevin Bahl has.

“We used them pretty heavily against some top players when they were first put together.”

Huberdeau back skating with team

There was also more good news on the injury front for the Flames.

Jonathan Huberdeau took part in the morning skate.

Teammates say it was good to see him back.

“I felt good this morning—I think because Huby was out there,” Weegar said.

“Nice to see his face, and I’m sure he’s excited to be back with the boys and he had a good skate.

“It’s always great to see him, and we’ll need him back shortly.”

Puck drop for the game between the Flames and Golden Knights is a little after 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.