Flames Season Review: Martin Pospisil Still Seeking Proper Fit

The NHL holiday break is over but we’re still looking at each and every member of the Calgary Flames, and what their season has been like so far. Today, we’re profiling Martin Pospisil.

There are no grades — this isn’t high school — but these quick-and-dirty glimpses into their season illustrate where they’re at ahead of the calendar flip from 2024 to 2025.

Name: Martin Pospisil

Position: Winger/Center

Stats: 2 goals, 10 assists, 12 pts., 1 PPG, 3 PPP, 49 SOG, 4.1 SH%

Summary: Martin Pospisil played his 100th NHL contest to ring in the new year. The single assist was a bit of a rarity, but the handful of hits a common occurrence.

As part of what has become the Calgary Flames’ top scoring line alongside Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, Pospisil has been somewhat of an unsung member. A passenger, though? Not a chance.

Check the video on the plays that have led to Huberdeau and Kadri’s outpouring of offense over the past weeks and you’ll see Pospisil mixing it up. He’s either laying a heavy hit and opening up some space for the two veterans, or perhaps playing the role of pest in front of the crease — making things very difficult for the opponent’s goaltender to get a good glimpse of the puck.

Known for his tenacity and physical play, the 23-year-old Slovak forward has worked to refine his game and find a balance between his natural edge and the discipline needed to succeed at the NHL level. His aggressive style often makes him a thorn in the side of opponents but the physicality also comes with challenges, as penalties sometimes overshadow his contributions on the ice and suspensions keep him off it entirely.

This season, Pospisil has gone from an experiment at top-line center to fourth-line winger roles, but now has found what looks like a strong fit beside Kadri and Huberdeau. More points should follow as long as he’s playing hard on the forecheck, keeping his physical play within the legal lines, and learning more along the way.

As the Flames succeed in the push for a playoff spot, Pospisil’s style of game would no doubt be an important piece of any success that comes in the post-season.