Calgary Flames Sign Connor Zary to 3-Year Extension

The Calgary Flames have finalized a three-year bridge contract extension with restricted free-agent forward Connor Zary, worth an average annual value of approximately $3.775 million. Zary, a 23-year-old winger drafted 24th overall in 2020, has shown potential as a top-six scorer, recording 13 goals and 27 points in 54 games last season despite injuries, including a significant knee-on-knee hit. His rookie season was more productive, with 14 goals and 34 points in 63 games. The bridge deal allows the Flames to maintain cost control while giving Zary the opportunity to prove his consistency and potentially earn a bigger contract later, especially with a projected salary cap increase. Zary has also demonstrated strong defensive capabilities and is expected to play on the wing, although he is naturally a center. Both the player and the Flames view this contract as a strategic move during the team's rebuilding phase.