Klapka, the 6-8, 235-lb., winger earned a roster spot as the Flames dispatch struggling fourth-line winger Walker Duehr
Adam Klapka would never under-sell his excitement.
Simply being summoned from the minors to the Calgary Flames was an achievement, and he was afraid to admit it.
“That’s what you dream about since you play hockey. It was my best day in my life,” Klapka, after partaking in Thursday’s morning skate before the Flames played host to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Saddledome, said of being recalled.
Klapka, the 23-year-old, 6-foot-8, 235-pound right winger, was summoned on Thursday, while fellow right winger Walker Duehr was assigned to the AHL Wranglers after clearing waivers.
Klapka, who was signed as a free agent in the summer of 2022, has spent the last season-and-a-half with the Wranglers, and collected 10 goals and 21 points in 33 games this season.
“He’s all about the energy,” Flames coach Ryan Huska said. “He’s all about bringing a lot of excitement to the rink. He’s been one guy that over the course of a couple years has really worked hard on his game. He’s put himself in a position he deserves this call up.”
Part of Klapka’s pride in being recalled has to do with the work he has done to earn a NHL roster spot.
“My game is built on going to the net and being around the net,” he said. “Pucks come to me, sometimes it’s not easy for me to find them because of my size, but I’ve worked on that.”
He joins a lengthy list of Flames prospects who have made a jump this season, including a couple currently with the team and providing a huge impact in Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil.
“It’s a big motivation for everyone down there,” said the product of Prague, Czechia. “When you see the guys have success, it’s awesome. All the guys are following them, they’re playing big hockey here, and it’s a big inspiration for everyone and everyone’s working hard to get a chance.”
Although Klapka was not expected to face the Maple Leafs, his chance may be arriving soon.
“It’s new, all this stuff,” he said. “I only saw it on TV. Now I’m sitting with them in the locker room. It’s a special moment.”
As for Duehr, the Flames were happy he cleared waivers and hope a stint in the minors helps him regain the form they saw from him last season when he collected seven goals and 11 points in 27 NHL games while providing plenty of fourth-line spark.
“We’re hoping … he can work on getting into a lineup and contributing regularly, so when we’re able to bring him back he’ll be ready to go again,” Huska said.
Duehr, who has been a healthy scratch in more games than he’s played this season, has netted one goal and four points in 19 NHL clashes.