Connor Zary hits waivers as Flames also place defenceman Brayden Pachal

Connor Zary’s season has taken an early twist, as the Calgary Flames placed the 25-year-old on waivers Monday, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. The move follows a scratch on Saturday, adding to what has been a challenging start to the 2026-27 campaign for the former first-round pick.

Zary registered an assist in Calgary’s season opener last week, but was then left out of the lineup for the next game. He returned to action for the Flames’ matchup in Seattle on Monday, the same day his name was placed on the waiver wire. Zary is in the second season of a three-year contract that carries a salary of $3.775 million per year.

The 24th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft is coming off a 74-game season with Calgary in which he recorded 12 goals and 13 assists, his third full year with the big club. Being exposed to waivers now gives the rest of the league a chance to claim him; if he goes unclaimed, the Flames would gain flexibility to assign him to their AHL affiliate.

Pachal joins Zary on waivers for Calgary

Defenceman Brayden Pachal was also waived by the Flames on Monday. The blueliner suited up for 39 games with Calgary last season, posting one goal and six assists. As with Zary, other NHL teams will have an opportunity to put in a claim before the Flames can reassign him.

Calgary’s decisions suggest competition for depth roles is tightening early in training and the opening stretch of the schedule, with roster spots and cap manoeuvring both potential factors. The club will learn within the standard waiver period whether either player will remain in the organization.

Robertson added to wire, Eyssimont and Giles clear

Around the league, New York Rangers defenceman Matthew Robertson has also been placed on waivers. He is coming off a 72-game season in the Rangers organization in which he collected six goals and 12 assists.

Two forwards completed the process on Monday without being claimed. Boston Bruins winger Michael Eyssimont cleared, as did San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Giles. Both players stay under contract with their respective clubs, which now have the option to keep them in the minors or bring them back up depending on roster needs.