Contract Negotiations for Connor Zary
Top of the agenda for Craig Conroy, the General Manager of the Calgary Flames, is securing a contract for restricted free agent Connor Zary. The 23-year-old winger had a season marked by injury setbacks, recording 13 goals and 14 assists for a total of 27 points over 53 games last season.
Potential for Growth
Despite not reaching game-breaking stats, Zary has demonstrated considerable potential for growth, particularly in the context of his prior season where he registered 21 goals and 58 points in all 72 games with the AHL’s Wranglers. His play, recognized for driving offensive momentum, was hampered by two unfortunate injuries:
a knee-on-knee hit in a game against Anaheim and a problematic fall while being tackled in another match versus Dallas.
Future Outlook
Once he regains full health and consistency, Zary’s improvement could lead him to tally around 25 goals and 50 points in a sturdier campaign, which the Flames could greatly benefit from, especially with his versatility to play both wing and center.
Negotiation Position
As the team navigates the negotiation waters ahead, they are in a favorable position to sign Zary given his entry-level contract’s reasonable cap hit of $863,334. While the immediate numbers might not reflect a star player, Zary’s ability to make an impact now alongside his growing maturity indicates that he is a promising piece of Calgary’s future plans.
Significance of the Deal
Amidst the NHL’s evolving landscape, this upcoming deal represents a significant step for both Zary and the Flames, emphasizing their commitment toward building a competitive roster.
