4 Trade Destinations for Flames Forward Connor Zary

The Calgary Flames may not be done making trades just yet. Just one day after acquiring Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for draft picks and prospect Etienne Morin, it now sounds as though it could be the Flames moving out a roster player.

Based on a report from TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Flames are looking to move forward Connor Zary. The 24-year-old scored 12 goals and 25 points in 74 games this season, and has two years remaining on a contract which carries a $3.775 million cap hit.

“The Flames are trying to move Connor Zary. 24-year-old forward has another year left on his contract at $3.775 million. Sounds like Calgary is asking for a second-round pick in return,” Dreger wrote on X.

After a solid rookie season back in 2023-24, Zary’s offensive numbers have regressed. Clearly, Flames management doesn’t see him getting to the level they had once envisioned, though that doesn’t mean the 2020 first-round pick doesn’t hold value. There will presumably be many teams who reach out to the Flames to inquire about the young forward, though these four organizations seem to serve as the best fits.

Chicago Blackhawks

After seeing the package the Chicago Blackhawks were willing to give up for Bowen Byram, why wouldn’t the Flames give them a call on Zary? Not only would he serve as a potential building block for the struggling franchise, but their general manager (GM) in Kyle Davidson has a tendency to overpay for players.

The Blackhawks have six second-round picks over the next three drafts, as well as three first-round picks in 2027. They also currently have north of $30 million in cap space, albeit with four restricted free agents (RFAs) to sign, including Connor Bedard. Still, they have more than enough money to make a trade for Zary, and it would certainly help improve their current roster.

Boston Bruins

If the Flames prefer to move Zary to the Eastern Conference, one team that could show interest is the Boston Bruins. The Bruins are in a bit of a weird phase where they are still looking to contend for Stanley Cups but are also trying to ensure their future is bright. Zary would fit the bill for that goal.

The Bruins have north of $15 million in cap space, and don’t have a ton of players who need to be re-signed. One that does is Viktor Arvidsson, though he’s in for a nice pay day after a solid bounce-back season. If he heads elsewhere in free agency, the Bruins could view Zary as a cheaper replacement.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are another team who is in a strange spot. While they may be better off to opt for another rebuild, they are reportedly going to do all they can to ensure they are a playoff team moving forward. Why? They need to do everything in their power to keep Zach Werenski around.

While Zary alone wouldn’t turn the Blue Jackets into true contenders, he would improve their overall forward depth. And, as has been mentioned, he still has a ton of potential. Joining an organization like the Blue Jackets could be exactly what he needs to gain more confidence and develop into the 50-to-60 point player many thought he would become.

St. Louis Blues

Another team in the Western Conference who would likely have interest in Zary is the St. Louis Blues. This is another team who doesn’t appear interested in a rebuild, but will need to make some tweaks to get back on track. Adding a player like Zary would give them another youthful piece up front to complement other young talents on the Blues roster such as Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Jake Neighbours.

The Blues have money to spend this summer with nearly $23 million in cap space. While they may look to make a big swing or two, they would still have plenty of room left to bring in Zary. They don’t have a second-round pick in the next two drafts, but do own four first-round picks, three thirds, two fourths and two fifths in this year’s draft.

Time Has Come to Move on From Zary

Though it is upsetting given how promising Zary looked just a few years ago, it’s becoming increasingly evident that he won’t reach his full potential in Calgary. A change of scenery is needed for both the player and the organization, and based on Dreger’s report, it seems as though that will happen at some point this offseason.