Lucas Ciona is a power forward that brought size, edge, and a little bit of snarl to the AHL Wranglers lineup last season, and he’s back looking to build on that foundation. PLAYER SNAPSHOT Born January 8, 2003, in Edmonton, Alberta, Ciona is a 6’3”, 210-pound left winger with a knack for playing a hard, physical game. Drafted by the Calgary Flames [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames] in the sixth round (173rd overall) in 2021, he’s now entering his third season with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. The 22-year-old shoots left, plays with an edge, and isn’t shy about throwing his weight around — the kind of forward who can change the tone of a game with one shift. Lucas Ciona during Preseason 2024. © Steven Bisig-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3f307961-976f-440b-867e-858560a3968f.jpeg] Lucas Ciona during Preseason 2024. © Steven Bisig-Imagn Images LAST SEASON IN REVIEW Ciona’s sophomore pro season was a step in the right direction. He appeared in 68 games, scoring eight goals and adding 14 assists for 22 points — a sharp improvement from his rookie year’s six-point output. He also racked up 75 penalty minutes and finished with a minus-3 rating, showing better defensive stability than his minus-13 the year before. The production jump is significant — nearly quadrupling his point totals. He delivered big moments, like his two-goal performance against Abbotsford in late January, proving he can chip in offensively when given the opportunity. PLAYING STYLE & STRENGTHS Ciona brings a bruising forecheck, relentless puck pursuit, and strong net-front presence. His size lets him protect the puck well, and he’s more than willing to mix it up physically. While his offensive game is still developing, his hockey sense in the offensive zone is improving — he’s learning when to use finesse instead of just force. WHAT’S NEXT FOR 2025–26 If Ciona keeps trending upward, hitting the 30-35 point mark is realistic this season. The challenge will be refining his discipline — maintaining that physical edge while cutting down on avoidable penalties. A neutral or positive plus/minus rating would be another step toward earning more ice time in key situations. He is in the final years of his three-year entry- level contract which runs through 2025–26 before becoming a restricted free agent (RFA), carrying a cap hit of $830,000 AAV. If his play keeps evolving, he could earn a call-up to the Flames in a bottom-six energy role sooner than later. THE BOTTOM LINE Ciona is trending in the right direction — bigger minutes, bigger production, and a more complete game. Not to mention, leadership capabilities. He’s not just a physical presence anymore; he’s starting to show he can be a reliable contributor. If the upward curve continues, the Flames [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames] may have a hard-nosed, energy-driving winger ready for NHL duty sometime in the near future. Follow Bryan Wilson on X. [https://x.com/bryanwilsonhky?s=21]
