The Calgary Flames’ goaltender Arsenii Sergeev is set to make his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings. This highly-anticipated matchup will occur during the Flames’ final game of the 2025-26 season on Thursday. Sergeev, 23, has been recalled from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers due to an emergency situation, as the scheduled starter, Devin Cooley, is sidelined by illness.
Arsenii Sergeev’s Journey to the NHL
Sergeev’s path to the NHL has been impressive. This season, he played 28 games with the Calgary Wranglers, posting a record of 5 wins, 13 losses, and 8 overtime losses. His save percentage stands at .898. Additionally, he featured in 12 games for the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush, where he achieved a record of 6-6-0 and a notable save percentage of .922.
Born in Yaroslavl, Russia, Sergeev transitioned to North America in 2019. In his entry year for the NHL Draft, the Flames selected him in the seventh round as the 205th overall pick. Prior to the draft, he enjoyed a successful run with the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs, earning a record of 14 wins, 4 losses, and 2 overtime losses in just 20 games.
Key Milestones in Sergeev’s Career
- 2021: Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the seventh round.
- 2021-22: Moved to the USHL, recording a 30-6-2 record with a .918 save percentage.
- 2022-24: Played for the University of Connecticut, later transferring to Penn State.
- 2024-25: Backstopped Penn State to a Frozen Four appearance, with a 19-9-4 record and a .919 save percentage.
- April 14, 2025: Signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Flames.
NHL Debut Details
Sergeev will don number 40 during his debut, a number last held by Alex Tanguay in 2013. With his first game on the horizon, he is poised to make a unique mark as the first alumnus from the Mudbugs to reach the NHL.
This matchup against the Kings holds significance for the Flames, who have a chance to secure the third-best odds in the upcoming 2026 draft lottery, depending on the game’s outcome.
As Arsenii Sergeev steps onto the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome, fans and teammates alike are eager to witness this new chapter in his professional journey.
