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Connor Zary Injured in Calgary Flames Win: Latest Update

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Cody Misyk | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 2:41 PM ET

Last night, the Calgary Flames defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime. It was a close contest throughout the game that ended positively for the Flames, but at what cost? Connor Zary was on the back end of an awful knee-on-knee hit that led to an injury that looked very serious. The forward did not return, and if he’s out long-term, it would be a massive loss for the Calgary Flames. Frank Seravalli recently reported that the Flames are waiting to determine the seriousness of the injury. There is no fracture in his leg.

Seravalli writes, “Connor Zary update: #Flames are waiting for inflammation in Zary’s knee to subside before imaging tomorrow will determine full extent of damage. So far, Calgary has only been able to rule out that there is no fracture. Until then, they wait and hope.”

Zary Is a Key Part of The Future

Connor Zary plays a crucial role for the Calgary Flames. He is a 23-year-old forward with solid potential for a young Flames team. Zary is a part of the Calgary Flames future alongside other young players Matt Coronato, Dustin Wolf, and Jakob Pelletier.

The injury to Zary came at a scary time, as it occurred in the first game of the moms’ trip for the team. Thankfully, he was helped off the ice without a stretcher and seemed to put some weight on his left leg.

The Flames were able to rally around the injury and pull off a clutch overtime win. Jonathan Huberdeau scored the game-winner and continues his excellent play. He is currently on pace to have a career-high in goals scored. It will be interesting to see how the loss of Connor Zary will affect the results of the team.

Zary Injury is Potential Fuel for the Tank

One positive view of the Connor Zary injury is from a business standpoint. The team is currently fighting for the last wildcard spot, which is not what they need right now. Instead, they should be focused on getting a top-ten pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

The Montreal Canadians will receive the better pick between Calgary and Florida in the upcoming draft. If the Calgary Flames finish outside the bottom ten of the standings, their first-round pick will be transferred to the Montreal Canadians as part of the Sean Monahan trade (assuming they finish lower than the Florida Panthers). This is a worst-case scenario, as the Flames still need to acquire elite young talent. It is significant for this team to finish in the bottom ten of the standings. Craig Conroy must make some important decisions at the trade deadline if he wants a high draft pick.

The Flames take on the Los Angeles Kings tonight in a crucial division matchup. (that is, assuming the game takes place with the wildfires in Los Angeles, potentially forcing the NHL to reschedule).

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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