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Calgary Flames looking to trade Zary and the expected return may surprise you

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Jun 24 2026, 8:51 pm
Calgary Flames looking to trade Zary and the expected return may surprise you
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

Connor Zary’s days with the Calgary Flames appear to be limited.

Zary, who is just 24 years old, was viewed as one of the main building blocks of the Flames just a few short years ago. Unfortunately, a pair of knee injuries sustained in 2024-25, along with decreased production in each of the past two seasons, may have forced the Flames’ hand.

As first reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger on Wednesday afternoon, the Flames are looking to trade Zary. In return, they are believed to be seeking a second-round draft pick.

That may seem like a low return for some, given that the Flames took Zary in the first round (24th overall) in 2020. After registering just 12 goals and 25 points this past season, however, his value is lower than it has ever been.

Part of this could also boil down to Zary being frustrated with his role. He hasn’t seemed to find a comfortable spot in the lineup, with head coach Ryan Huska moving him around constantly throughout the 2025-26 season.

Regardless of what led to this, it’s an unfortunate outcome given how much promise Zary showed in his rookie season back in 2023-24. After being recalled early in the season, Zary scored 14 goals and 34 points in 63 games with the Flames, leading to an eighth-place finish in Calder Trophy voting.

Zary has simply been leapfrogged by others in the Flames organization, both players on the current roster and prospects in the pipeline. Given that he has just two seasons remaining on his contract with a $3.775 million cap hit, there should be a number of suitors willing to take a chance on Zary.

Perhaps all he needs is a change of scenery to turn things around, but, barring a change in heart, it appears his time in Calgary will soon be coming to an end.

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