The Calgary Flames have placed forward Connor Zary on waivers. The move comes after a difficult start to the 2026-27 season for both Zary and the Flames. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/why-2026-27-is-a-make-or-break-season-for-connor-zary] Calgary is 0-3-0 to begin the season, while Zary was scratched for the team’s second game against Vancouver. Zary recorded one assist in two games. Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<br /> [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ba61088a-aa59-4aa1-9a27-0c751c570c24.jpeg] Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<br /> The 25-year-old was selected by the Flames 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft and entered the organization with plenty of promise. Injuries, however, have played a role in slowing his development, and he struggled to find consistency last season. Zary finished the 2025-26 season with 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points in 74 games. His name also surfaced in trade speculation throughout the summer [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/where-could-connor-zary-be-traded-examining-the-best-fits-around-the-nhl] as the Flames continued to evaluate their roster and the direction of their young core. Where Could Connor Zary Be Traded? Examining the Best Fits Around the NHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/9714bc39-522b-4aab-a6f8-b661d098cf22.jpeg] Where Could Connor Zary Be Traded? Examining the Best Fits Around the NHL The future of Connor Zary with the Calgary Flames appears increasingly uncertain. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/where-could-connor-zary-be-traded-examining-the-best-fits-around-the-nhl] Now, Calgary has placed Zary on waivers, creating another significant turning point in his development. If he clears, Zary would be assigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, giving him an opportunity to play more consistently and regain some of the offensive confidence that made him a first-round pick. There have been flashes of that ability during Zary’s time with the Flames, but establishing himself as a productive NHL player has remained a challenge. Being placed on waivers does not necessarily mark the end of Zary’s time in Calgary. If he clears, the Wranglers could provide an opportunity for him to reset, play meaningful minutes and work his way back into the Flames’ plans. For a player who was once viewed as an important part of Calgary’s next wave of talent, it is another difficult chapter in what has been a challenging development path.
