Calgary Flames move Connor Zary to IR but unofficial reports suggest young center avoided major damage to knee

Anyone who watched the hit on Calgary Flames center Connor Zary in Anaheim this week has been waiting for devastating news. On Friday, though, reports suggested things aren't as bad as they seemed. 

With multiple replays of his joint's hyperextension playing while Zary writhed in pain after the knee-on-knee contact from the Ducks' Drew Helleson — his mom watching from the stands on the mom's trip — it sure looked like Zary could be lost for the season. 

But on Friday, Daily Faceoff reporter Frank Seravalli reported that Zary suffered no ACL or MCL damage to his left knee. More is anticipated from the team shortly, with more tests likely required to offer any timeline, but that confirmation would be great news for the Flames and the fans.

Seravalli expanded more on Sportsnet 960's morning show. 

“There’s still some work to do. They’re still assessing this injury and they need some more medical opinions to determine an exact timeline. Not all of it’s completely out of the woods," Seravalli said. "They’re still looking at things like the meniscus, but in terms of major ligaments, it certainly seems like a couple bullets have been dodged to start.”

The 22-year-old has at times been one of the most impressive Flames forwards this season. The sophomore has 10 goals and 22 points through 40 games and is third in team scoring. The production doesn't tell the whole story as Zary has shown impressive playmaking ability and increasing confidence. 

A healthy Zary, who has more than 100 NHL games to his credit now, will be a key piece of the team's center depth for the future. 

The Calgary Flames called up AHL All-Star Rory Kerins while moving Zary to IR on Friday.