Flames keep Zary and Pachal in system as Wolf’s early struggles raise concern

The Calgary Flames are reshaping their roster after a winless start, with a pair of notable names heading to the minors and questions mounting in goal. Forward Connor Zary and defenceman Brayden Pachal both passed through waivers unclaimed and were assigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. At the same time, Dustin Wolf’s early-season form is drawing scrutiny inside the organization, while prospect Aydar Suniev is positioning himself as a potential option to join the NHL lineup.

Zary and Pachal clear waivers and move to AHL

Zary’s appearance on the waiver wire raised eyebrows, given the expectations that followed his early work with the Flames. After an impressive rookie campaign suggested top-six upside, his offensive production dipped sharply last season to 12 goals and 25 points in 2025-26, well below the pace many had projected for him. Clearing waivers means he will now look to rebuild his confidence and consistency with the Wranglers.

Pachal was also waived on Monday and, like Zary, was not picked up by another team. The right-shot blueliner will join Zary in the AHL, where both will try to play their way back into the conversation for NHL duty. Whether either player earns another opportunity in Calgary this season will depend on their performance in the minors and how the Flames’ roster evolves over the coming weeks.

Wolf’s numbers tumble as internal concern grows

The Flames’ broader struggles have been amplified by Wolf’s rocky start. The 25-year-old has started two of Calgary’s first three games, conceding 12 goals on 59 shots. That leaves him with a 6.00 goals-against average and a .797 save percentage, a stark contrast to the form that once made him a Calder Trophy runner-up after a strong 53-game debut season in the NHL.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman suggested on the 32 Thoughts podcast that club executives are uneasy with how the situation has unfolded, noting that Wolf also opened last season poorly and that this year was expected to be different. Friedman said that, among everything the Flames have gone through early on, the most disappointing element is how Wolf has been "lit up" to start the year. While Calgary’s defensive play has contributed, there is also a sense that opponents now have a clearer book on how to attack him.

Suniev in the mix as Flames eye rebound stretch

With Zary no longer on the NHL roster, Calgary must decide which forward will seize the open spot. Management has not indicated a favourite, but much of the fan base is looking toward Aydar Suniev. The 21-year-old made a strong push at training camp before being sent to the Wranglers, where he has one assist in two games this season after posting 16 goals and 24 points in 57 contests as a rookie in 2025-26.

The Flames are in the middle of a three-day break following an 0-3-0 start, a timely window to reset systems, evaluate personnel and consider changes. The schedule offers little relief: Calgary hosts the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday before facing the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. For Wolf, Zary, Pachal and emerging talents like Suniev, the next stretch will be crucial in determining how their roles with the organization evolve.