Flames News & Rumours: Zary, Pachal, Wolf & More

After a promising rookie season in Calgary, Zary’s game has fallen off a cliff. He managed just 12 goals and 25 points in 2025-26, a far cry from the 50+ point player he looked like he was on track to become in his rookie season.

The Flames also placed defenceman Brayden Pachal on waivers Monday. As was the case with Zary, he went unclaimed, meaning both players will head to the American Hockey League (AHL) to join the Calgary Wranglers. It remains to be seen whether or not we see either back in a Flames jersey this season.

Flames May Have Some Concerns Over Wolf’s Struggles

The 2026-27 season hasn’t been kind to any members of the Flames, though Dustin Wolf in particular has really struggled. The 25-year-old has started two of his team’s three games so far, allowing 12 goals on a combined 59 shots. He sits with a 6.00 goals against average (GAA) and a .797 save percentage (SV%).

Though the Flames were expected to struggle as a collective group this season, the hope was that Wolf could get his game back on track after regressing in 2025-26. It’s early, but that hasn’t been the case so far, which sounds like it may be a bit worrying to higher-ups in the organization.

“The one thing I think really hurts is that Wolf started last year really poorly and they believed that would not be the case,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast. “Of all the things that have happened to them, the most disappointing one would be how Wolf has been lit up.”

Wolf came into the NHL with plenty of hype and delivered on it, appearing in 53 games while finishing second in Calder Trophy voting. The team in front of him as of late has played a part in his struggles, but one can’t wonder if it’s also a bit of a reflection of the rest of the league having more of a game plan on how to beat him.

Could Suniev Be the Next Man Up?

With Zary having cleared waivers and now being assigned to the Wranglers, the Flames have a roster decision to make up front. They have made no indication as to who that may be just yet, though it seems the vast majority of the fan base is hoping it will be Aydar Suniev.

The 21-year-old Suniev impressed in training camp but ultimately fell just short of cracking the roster. He’s suited up in two games with the Wranglers so far in 2026-27, registering a lone assist. The 2025-26 campaign saw him put up 16 goals and 24 points in 57 games with the Wranglers as a rookie.

Looking Ahead for the Flames

The Flames are in the midst of a three-day break which could not have come at a better time. They are in a tough spot after starting the season 0-3-0 and needed some practice time to try and fix things up. Unfortunately, things won’t be getting any easier for them, as they are set to take on the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday followed by the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.