Jonathan Castagna fully understands the role he needs to play in order to remain part of the Calgary Flames lineup.
The 21-year-old forward has quickly earned the trust of head coach Ryan Huska, thanks in large part to his defensive awareness and attention to detail. It’s an approach Castagna began embracing long before he arrived in Calgary, and one that has helped him make an early impression with the Flames.
“He’s competitive. I think that’s a really big thing. He’s got very good details to his game,” Huska said of Castagna’s adjustment to the NHL.
“For me, there’s a trust factor already that I don’t feel like he’s going to cheat for offence; I don’t feel like he’s going to be out of position.”
How Castagna earned his first Flames call-up
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images
Castagna’s defensive commitment wasn’t something that developed overnight.
“You watch these guys growing up like the [Connor] McDavids and the [Nathan] MacKinnons, and eventually you realize that you’re not going to be one of those guys,” Castagna explained.
“So it’s: what angle can you take if you really want to be a hockey player? What angle can you take to get yourself there?”
For Castagna, the answer was to first ensure that he was a reliable defensive player. His time at Cornell University helped him develop that identity, with former coach Mike Schafer playing an instrumental role in teaching him that side of the game.
Once he became comfortable in that area, the offence started to follow.
“The underlying idea is that if you’re a good defensive player you don’t produce much offensively,” Castagna said. “But really, the best way to get offence is to not be in your D-zone.”
It’s an approach that appears to be paying dividends early in his professional career. After starting the season with the Calgary Wranglers, Castagna earned a recall to the Flames and has impressed his new coach with his willingness to play the right way.
“Now he’s starting to feel really good about himself at the pro level,” Huska said.
For Castagna, the opportunity represents a significant step forward after getting his feet wet late last season. He joined the team following the conclusion of his college campaign but was unable to play due to injury.
This time around, he’s getting to experience the NHL for real.
“Holy crap, this is happening”
Christopher Trim/Imagn Images
“Honestly, the first road trip,” Castagna said when asked if he’d had a welcome-to-the-NHL moment. “Getting on the jet and having the opportunity to play.
“Last year I got to travel with the team, but it was kind of a backseat role. I was just tagging along and wasn’t able to play. Getting on that plane and finally getting to suit up on the road was eye-opening, like, ‘Holy crap, this is happening.'”
Although the experience is beginning to sink in, Castagna understands that establishing himself in the NHL requires consistent work. He knows the trust he’s earned so far isn’t something he can take for granted.
“There’s always the feeling that every day you still need to fight for your job,” he said. “I still need to work my bag off every day and prove that I deserve to be here.”
Jonathan Castagna chats with @BParkerTV between periods after recording his first NHL point in his debut 👏 pic.twitter.com/uhqtlp85Yd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 9, 2026
Castagna has also found support from veteran centre Ryan Strome, who has taken the rookie under his wing and helped him navigate the early stages of his NHL career.
Strome has offered plenty of advice and pointers, while also being responsible for giving Castagna the nickname “George,” which he joked has now gone viral.
“He’s a veteran guy in the league, a veteran centreman. That’s been very valuable,” Castagna said. “I’m really glad he’s taken me in.”
For now, Castagna is focused on making the most of an opportunity he knows he can’t take for granted. He’s grateful for the trust Huska has shown him and hopes to continue meeting, or even exceeding, the expectations placed on him.
“Couldn’t really have planned a better start, I feel like,” Castagna said. “Now I’ve just got to keep it going.”
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