3 Things To Know About Jonathan Aspirot, Flames' Lone Spengler Cup Player

While most hockey fans are focused on the 2025 World Juniors, the annual Spengler Cup is underway in Davos, Switzerland.

This over-a-century-old six-team tournament usually features a team from Canada. Last year, HC Davos tied Team Canada's record for most championships, so the visitors will be out to make history again.

Team Canada features five NHL prospects, including Calgary Wranglers defenseman Jonathan Aspirot. He's in his second season with the Wranglers and is an undrafted signee of the Calgary Flames.

For those tuning into the Spengler Cup, here are three things to know about the Flames' lone connection to this year's tournament.

Served in a Leadership Role Throughout His QMJHL Career

According to Aspirot's Elite Prospects profile, he joined the Moncton Wildcats in 2016-17 and was promoted to alternate captain, a role he continued during the 2017-18 season.

During his final season in the QMJHL, Aspirot served as captain of the Wildcats, scoring 12 goals and 35 points in 57 games. He was also plus-20, the third-best total on the team.

Related: 5 Things To Know About Axel Hurtig, Flames' Lone World Juniors Player

Interestingly, Aspirot was teammates with Jakob Pelletier, who assumed the captaincy when he departed at the end of the season.

Aspirot had a Breakthrough Season in the AHL in 2023-24

Upon leaving the Wildcats, Aspirot joined the Belleville Senators, where he would play from 2019 to 2023. Despite playing in over 40 games in three of his four seasons, he never recorded more than 18 points in a single season.

When Aspirot moved West to join the Wranglers in 2023-24, he erupted for 33 points in 66 games. Even though everyone is waiting for him to reach double digits in goals, with a personal best of seven, he had 27 assists to tie Matt Coronato for the team lead.

Only Game-Winning Goal Made Him an Overtime Hero

In over 250 AHL games, Aspirot has scored only 27 goals and has never scored more than one goal in any contest. However, on Oct. 29, 2023, he was an overtime hero in a 2-1 win over the Colorado Eagles.

Two days before Halloween, the Wranglers hosted the Eagles in their second game of the season. Brett Sutter opened the scoring first before Riley Tufte tied things in the second. After a scoreless third, the game went into overtime when Aspirot tallied the winner at 1:40 with assists from Martin Pospisil and Connor Zary.

Team Canada begins their quest for a 17th Spengler Cup championship on Dec. 26.