The Connor Zary dilemma has hovered over the Calgary Flames over the last few months. At this stage, it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when Zary and the Flames part ways. That noise has gotten louder ever since the 25-year-old was placed on waivers.
Via the 32 Thoughts Podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman gave fans some updates regarding Zary. Friedman brought up the possibility of the Flames making a significant move this summer: buying out Zary’s contract altogether.
Zary’s cap hit was an issue for teams
Friedman mentions that the reason Zary went through waivers unclaimed was his cap hit of $3.775M. While it may not seem that high, clearly no team could justify taking on that type of contract for a player like Zary. Friedman also mentions that one of the teams that were interested in Zary was the New York Rangers, but they ultimately couldn’t make the money work.
I think one of the teams that has kinda dipped their toes on Zary a bit are the aforementioned Rangers. Even if they wanted to do that, I just don’t think they could make it fit.
Friedman also stated he heard that last season the Flames gave permission to Zary to talk to other teams. Ultimately, nothing went down.
Flames tried to trade Zary in the summer and before placing him on waivers
It was rumoured during the summer that the Flames were indeed shopping Zary, asking for a 2nd-round pick in return. While there was certainly interest, no team decided to make the move, as Friedman verifies.
Friedman also adds that the day before the Flames placed Zary on waivers, they made it known that the player was still available to see if there were any takers. No team was interested, which influenced Zary’s placement on waivers.
I also heard that the day before Calgary put him (Zary) on waivers, they put his name on the GM groupchat, and it didn’t go anywhere.
The Flames also aren’t interested in using their final retention spot on Zary if a trade happens, per Friedman. In a Zary trade, it’s likely that the Flames would need to take money back.
A buyout could be in the cards for Zary
Finally, Friedman brings up the idea of the Flames potentially buying out Zary’s contract if a trade can’t be reached. He adds that since Zary is only 25, he’s eligible for a one-third buyout. Buying him out at season’s end would create a $600K cap hit for two more seasons.
There’s also the option of Zary terminating his contract altogether. Friedman mentions that it would be tough for a player to walk away from that much money. Yet, it’s still an option on the table.
Zary’s tenure as a Flame will likely end sooner rather than later
Despite what happens, it’s clear that Zary’s time in Calgary will be ending after this season. Whether he gets bought out or he’s traded, it’s an unfortunate situation for a player who was once highly regarded and seen as a potential future piece for the Flames. Yet a fresh start would do him wonders too.
