Connor Zary clears waivers as Flames assign Zary and Pachal to Wranglers

The Calgary Flames made a notable roster move on Tuesday as forward Connor Zary and defenceman Brayden Pachal both cleared waivers and are being assigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. Neither player was claimed by another NHL club, allowing the Flames to keep them in the organization while opening up flexibility on the big-league roster.

Zary’s contract and recent production

Zary, 25, is in the second season of a three-year contract that carries a salary cap hit of US$3.775 million per year. A first-round pick in 2020, selected 24th overall, he posted 12 goals and 13 assists in 74 games last season, his third full campaign with the Flames. Earlier this year he was scratched for Calgary’s second game before returning to the lineup for the third, a sign his role was already under review.

The move to the Wranglers gives the club the option to have Zary log heavy minutes in the AHL while the NHL lineup is adjusted. Because he passed through waivers unclaimed, the Flames retain control of his rights and can recall him later in the season if injuries strike or if his play in the minors demands another look.

Pachal, who also cleared, recorded one goal and six assists over 39 games with Calgary last season. He now heads to the Wranglers as well, where he is expected to take on a significant role on defence and provide depth should the Flames run into blue-line issues during the year.

Robertson clears; Pyythia and Harkins on waivers

Around the league, New York Rangers defenceman Matthew Robertson likewise cleared waivers after being placed there. Robertson finished last season with six goals and 12 assists across 72 games with New York, and clearing waivers gives the Rangers the option to reassign him within the organization without losing him for nothing.

Two other forwards hit the waiver wire on Tuesday. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mikael Pyythia, 24, was placed on waivers after appearing in 71 NHL games over three seasons, during which he totalled five goals and six assists. Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jansen Harkins, 29, was also waived; he has played one game for Tampa Bay this season following a 2023–24 campaign in which he put up three goals and five assists in 44 games with the Anaheim Ducks.

These early-season transactions highlight how teams such as the Flames, Rangers, Blue Jackets and Lightning are managing roster spots and cap commitments while trying to keep usable depth pieces in their systems. Players who clear waivers, like Zary and Pachal, remain key recall options as the long NHL schedule unfolds.