Why 2026-27 Is a Make-or-Break Season for Connor Zary

The Calgary Flames are staring down a critical juncture in the development of Connor Zary.

Following a 2025-26 campaign that failed to meet expectations, the young forward now enters an off-season defined by uncertainty and the pressing need for a clearer identity within the lineup.

Zary’s path to becoming a consistent NHL contributor has been far from linear. His 2024-25 season was derailed by persistent knee injuries, a frustrating setback that arrived just as he was beginning to display genuine game-changing prowess. When healthy, Zary had demonstrated an ability to generate offence, boasting a determined net-front presence and reliable skating. He finished that 54-game stretch with 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists).

However, the 2025-26 season brought a different kind of challenge. While Zary remained relatively healthy, appearing in 74 games, his impact felt muted. He struggled to find a foothold in the lineup, frequently bouncing between the fourth line and top-six responsibilities, while rotating between center and wing. This inconsistency in usage, and perhaps more importantly, the lack of stability in his supporting cast, seemed to take a tangible toll on his performance.

For the Flames, the burning question remains: Is Zary a center or a winger?

The organization has invested significant time in experimenting with Zary at the pivot position, clearly intrigued by his potential ceiling. While his goal production has hovered in the low double digits - 14 in his rookie year, 13 in his second, and 12 during this recent, challenging season - there is still a strong belief that he can evolve into a consistent 20-goal scorer. The raw offensive tools are there; the challenge now lies in stabilizing his environment to foster that growth.

Under head coach Ryan Huska, the "leash" Zary is granted remains a topic of speculation. How long is it? The Flames are in a rebuilding phase, and they finished the 2025-26 season at the bottom of the league in total goals scored. As a 2020 first-round draft pick (24th overall) and a homegrown asset, Zary represents the kind of talent the organization needs to anchor its future.

The patience of the front office has been tested by injuries and inconsistency, but the mandate is clear: the team desperately needs offence. As the Flames look to turn the corner, Zary must transition from a project player into a reliable contributor. Whether he finds his permanent home on the wing or down the middle, his next step is no longer just about potential… It's about production.