In many ways, it feels like it was just yesterday that Calgary Flames fans were doing what they could to get some attention on Connor Zary when it came to Calder Trophy recognition.
The reason it feels so recent is because, well, it was. Zary’s rookie campaign, in which he logged 63 games, came back in 2023-24, just two seasons ago. He wound up finishing eighth in Calder Trophy voting with 14 goals and 34 points. The impressive showing had many Flames fans thinking they had a budding star on their hands.
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Fast forward two years, and Zary’s progress hasn’t just stalled, but has backtracked. He’s managed just 12 goals and 25 points this season, the worst point-per-game pace of his career. It doesn’t seem to be some sort of strange one off, either, as he wasn’t particularly great in 2024-25 with 13 goals and 27 points in 54 outings. Though there has been frustration over his usage at times this season, having 25 points with only a game to go in the season is simply inexcusable for Zary.
Flames May Be Best to Move On
The NHL is a very difficult business, and Zary’s situation is proving just that. This is a player who just two years ago was considered one of the building blocks of this organization. Now, you have plenty questioning whether he fits into their long-term plans at all.
It’s easy to see why there was so much excitement surrounding Zary a few years ago. Not only did he have a solid rookie season, but he was also a first-round pick, leading many to think there was far more untapped potential in his game. Perhaps two knee injuries in 2024-25 have stalled that progress, but to this point we have seen none of it in his game.
One thing that is becoming increasingly clear with Zary is that he doesn’t seem to have top-six upside. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but shows how far his stock has fallen in just a few short years. There are now plenty of forward prospects the Flames possess who seem like they may have more offensive upside at the NHL level than Zary does.
That would seemingly make Zary exposable should a team inquire about him. You can understand why they would, as he’s locked up for an additional two seasons on a reasonable $3.775 million cap hit. On top of that, he likely wouldn’t cost a whole heck of a lot given his struggles the past two seasons.
That’s where the argument for the Flames to hold onto him would come. They’ve invested draft capital, as well as plenty of time and effort to get Zary to where he is in his career. Will all that work have been worth the while if they are to move him for a rather minimal return?
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Another thing to factor in is that Zary is still just 24 years old. There is still room for growth and improvement in his game. If the Flames were to move him and another team were to unlock his potential, it would reflect poorly on the entire organization. This is why management needs to carefully analyze this situation before making a decision either way.
Zary’s Clock is Ticking
Zary could very well find himself back wearing a Flames sweater in 2026-27, but that by no means suggests he’s going to remain in Calgary long term. In order for that to happen, he’s going to need to find a way to be way more consistent at both ends of the ice, and prove that he’s a player worth keeping on a roster that years down the line will hopefully be fighting for Stanley Cups. These past two seasons, he hasn’t come close to doing so.
