The Calgary Flames have locked up their final key piece, signing forward Connor Zary to a three-year deal worth $3.775 million per season.
The signing wraps up Calgary’s major offseason moves, with only defenseman Nikita Okhotyuk left to sign among their restricted free agents.
Zary, 23, has shown flashes of brilliance since being picked in the first round of the 2020 draft. His path to the NHL has been pretty impressive – he jumped right into pro hockey during the COVID-delayed 2021 season and made it count, scoring seven points in nine AHL games.
Before turning pro full-time, he was a star in junior hockey. As captain of the Kamloops Blazers, he racked up an incredible 206 points in 203 games.
His first full AHL season had some growing pains. But everything clicked when the team moved to Calgary in 2022-23. Playing closer to the big club seemed to light a fire under him – he put up 21 goals and 58 points in 72 games.
The young center forced his way onto the Flames’ roster with a red-hot start to this season, including a four-assist game that had everyone talking.
Once he got his shot in the NHL, he didn’t look back. Zary scored 34 points in 63 games as a rookie, showing he could handle both second and third-line duties. That was the sixth-best scoring rate among all NHL rookies.
But this past season threw some challenges his way. After a strong start with five points in four games, his scoring came in bursts. Then injuries to his left knee – first in January, then again in March – limited him to just 27 points in 54 games.
The timing wasn’t great for his first contract negotiation. While he’s shown he can be a game-changer, those injuries and scoring streaks made a bridge deal the smart play for both sides.
At $3.775 million per year, it could end up being a bargain for the Flames. Zary’s already averaging 43 points per 82 games in his young career, and many think he could hit 50 or even 60 points if he stays healthy.
The big question now: Can this speedy young center stay healthy and consistent enough to lock down a top-six role? The Flames are betting he can figure it out.
