Flames weighing trade talks on Connor Zary, Zach Whitecloud and Morgan Frost

The Calgary Flames’ poor start to the season appears to be accelerating trade chatter around some of their younger pieces. After three heavy losses by a combined 16-3 margin, general manager Craig Conroy is believed to be open to discussions that could move out contracts in exchange for future assets.

Cap hit complicates interest in Connor Zary

On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, insider David Pagnotta outlined how forward Connor Zary has emerged as a focal point in those conversations. Zary, a former first-round pick, recently cleared waivers, which surprised some given that there is interest in him around the league. Pagnotta said Zary’s $3.775 million cap hit for the next two seasons is a significant factor in why no team placed a claim.

According to Pagnotta, clubs that like Zary are telling Calgary they cannot take on the full hit and would need to send money back in any deal. The expectation is that those teams will keep talking with Conroy to see if there is a way to structure a trade that eases the cap burden instead of simply picking him up for nothing after waivers.

Zach Whitecloud draws blue-line suitors, Leafs among them

Defenceman Zach Whitecloud is another name believed to be drawing strong interest. Pagnotta noted that shortly after Calgary completed a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire Whitecloud, other teams quickly reached out to Conroy to gauge his plans for the right-shot blueliner. Whitecloud carries a $2.75 million cap hit for one more season and brings playoff and Stanley Cup experience at age 29, which adds to his appeal.

Pagnotta pointed to the Toronto Maple Leafs as one team looking at that style of defenceman and suggested it would not be surprising if they escalated talks with Calgary. He also referenced prior interest from the Montreal Canadiens last season, while stressing that multiple clubs are believed to be monitoring Whitecloud’s situation.

Morgan Frost viewed as likely trade candidate

Centre Morgan Frost, in the final year of his contract, is also expected to attract attention. Pagnotta suggested Frost could become a prime trade candidate as the season progresses, given his reputation for producing offence when given an opportunity higher in the lineup.

No deals are imminent and the Flames have not committed to a full-scale sell-off, but the combination of a brutal early record and several movable mid-range contracts has fuelled speculation. If Calgary’s results do not improve, Conroy may lean further into retooling around picks and prospects, with Zary, Whitecloud and Frost among the names most frequently linked to potential moves.