2026/27 Calgary Flames Player Preview: Connor Zary

Back in his rookie campaign of 2023/24, Connor Zary burst onto the scene with the Flames, posting 14 goals and 34 points in 63 games played, and given the high end skill around a team that was devoid of it, there was unsurprisingly plenty of excitement around him.

Unfortunately, the next two seasons were derailed due to two different injuries, both freak injuries that occurred in collisions involving his knees, and as a result, the 2025/26 campaign was the worst of his career to date. Across 74 games, Zary tallied just 12 goals and 25 points, and while he once again flashed offensive flair, Head Coach Ryan Huska showed that he simply didn't believe in him, as one mistake saw him relegated to the fourth line time after time.

For Zary to improve, the team need to allow him the freedom to make mistakes, and at 24-years-old, this is the time that he needs to take a step forward, as it may be his final opportunity to solidify himself as a top-nine player for the organization.

What Role Will Zary Play in 2026/27?

Unsurprisingly, given Huska's usage of Zary over the past two years, his role remains unclear heading into 2026/27, and with Morgan Frost, Mikael Backlund and Ryan Strome down the middle, he once again won't get the opportunity to play his preferred position of centre.

However, it's more likely than not that he'll start the season alongside one of the latter two that could certainly raise his floor, and with a player like Jonathan Huberdeau, Joel Farabee or Samuel Honzek on his other wing, he could find some combinations that allow him to find that offensive rhythm at the next level.

Ultimately, Zary's success or failure will depend entirely on Huska's level of trust in him and the line combination he finds himself with, but if he can get a consistent role and faith from his Head Coach, this could be a bounce back year that solidifies the 24-year-old as a key piece of the Flames lineup.

Final Predictions for Zary in 2026/27 (based on the assumption of 82 games of health): 14 goals, 26 assists, 40 points.