Connor Zary on waivers as Flames forward faces pivotal career crossroads

The Calgary Flames placed Connor Zary on waivers Monday, putting the 25-year-old forward’s future with the organization in serious doubt after a disappointing start and years of uneven progress. Rival clubs have until Tuesday at noon MT, 2 p.m. ET, to submit a claim; if none do, Zary will become eligible for assignment to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.

Zary’s situation is complicated by a $3.77-million salary for each of the next two seasons and a track record that has yet to match his early promise. A team could still decide the cost is worth a gamble on a middle-six forward who once projected as a key offensive piece, but the Flames’ decision itself underscores how far the relationship has drifted from its original expectations.

From first-round hope to an uncertain role

Drafted 24th overall by Calgary in 2020 after a standout junior career, Zary initially looked like a potential long-term fit. In his first NHL stint three years ago, he meshed well on a line with Nazem Kadri and Martin Pospisil and finished that season with 14 goals and 34 points in 63 games. Since then, however, he has not come close to repeating that level of production.

The last two seasons have been marked by injuries, inconsistency and a lingering question around the organization: has Zary truly been given the opportunity to flourish in an offensive role, or has his performance limited him to third-line duty and occasional nights in the press box? Head coach Ryan Huska’s irritation has been apparent at times, including after the season opener when he criticized careless play with the puck in the neutral zone, comments widely interpreted as targeting Zary.

Zary entered this season fully aware of the stakes. During training camp he acknowledged the pressure to deliver, saying, “You’ve got to produce,” in describing the need to contribute every night and create scoring chances to help the team win.

AHL reset or fresh start elsewhere?

If Zary clears waivers, the likeliest next step is a move to the Wranglers, where he would have a chance to rebuild his confidence and offensive touch outside the immediate glare of the NHL. The organization will be watching closely to see whether he can push his way back into the picture or fades from their plans, a trajectory that would echo former first-rounder Greg Nemisz, drafted 25th overall by Calgary in 2008 but unable to carve out a regular NHL role.

The comparison to Sam Bennett is also unavoidable. Bennett, once a fourth-overall pick of the Flames, never fully broke through in Calgary before a trade to Florida sparked his game and ultimately led to a Conn Smythe Trophy. Zary does not share Bennett’s exact toolbox or pedigree, but his situation similarly raises the possibility that a different environment might unlock more of his potential.

Rebuild realities and roster priorities

This move also reflects the realities of a rebuild in Calgary. General manager Craig Conroy had already made it known over the summer that Zary was available in trade discussions, but no team stepped up. Placing him on waivers represents the next escalation in a process of sorting out who fits in the club’s long-term core and who is replaceable.

The decision is not solely about clearing a path for prospect Aydar Suniev, who, despite an encouraging pre-season, still has to show he can handle the pro game at both ends of the ice before being thrown into regular NHL duty. More broadly, it signals that players not viewed as foundational pieces are at risk of being cycled out. For Zary, whether he is claimed by another team or lands with the Wranglers, the challenge now is to prove that his NHL story still has significant chapters left to be written.