The Calgary Flames and restricted free agent forward Connor Zary remain separated by about $1 million in ongoing contract discussions, according to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff. Although both sides seem open to a three-year agreement, a significant salary disparity has prevented a resolution.
Disagreement Centers on Salary Figures for Multi-Year Deal
The Flames are reportedly firm on offering an annual salary between $3 million and $3.5 million, while Zary is seeking approximately $4.5 million per year over three seasons. This roughly $1 million difference has stalled the arbitration-free negotiation process.
Zary’s Performance and Potential Influence Negotiations
Selected 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Zary will turn 24 in September and only recently secured a full-time NHL role during the 2023-24 season. Despite missing nearly 30 games last year because of injury, he has demonstrated the ability to hold down consistent top-nine minutes, primarily as a winger.
Last season, Zary averaged 19 goals and 43 points per 82 games with an average ice time of 15 minutes and 39 seconds per game. However, his points-per-game rate dipped slightly from 0.54 in his rookie year to 0.50 in the 2024-25 campaign, ending the season with 27 points in 54 games.
Market Valuations Favor Flames’ Position
Statistics and projections, such as those from AFP Analytics, estimate an appropriate contract in the range of three years at approximately $3.42 million annually, aligning closely with Calgary’s offer. These figures challenge Zary’s higher salary demands, suggesting they may be above the market rate for a player of his experience and production.
Contract Length Matters for Arbitration and Future Status
Zary was ineligible for salary arbitration this summer due to NHL experience requirements tied to his entry age of 18. To gain arbitration eligibility, he would need to sign at least a two-year contract, and a three-year deal would bring him nearer to unrestricted free agency, one year away according to NHL rules. Consequently, the term length not only affects his salary but also his rights and options in future negotiations.
Implications for Flames’ Roster Strategy Moving Forward
With general manager Craig Conroy maintaining a steady stance on the Flames’ financial commitment, the negotiation impasse underscores a tense juncture for both player and team. The persistent salary gap delays contract finalization ahead of the new season and leaves uncertainty about Zary’s role moving forward. How these talks resolve could influence Calgary’s forward depth and salary cap management in the near future.
“The Flames and RFA forward Connor Zary still have a roughly $1MM gap to bridge as they continue talks on a new contract.”
—Anthony Di Marco, Daily Faceoff