Connor Zary targets stronger start as Flames test second-line role
After 25 points in 74 games, the Calgary winger says he needs to produce more consistently entering the new season.
Connor Zary is entering the 2026-27 season with a clear personal benchmark: more offense from the start. The 24-year-old Calgary Flames winger told Sportsnet that last season fell short of his expectations.
Zary scored 12 goals and added 13 assists for 25 points in 74 games in 2025-26, down from 34 points in 63 games as a rookie in 2023-24, according to PuckPedia. He signed a three-year extension with Calgary in September 2025 at an average annual value of $3.775 million; two seasons remain on that deal.
Zary told Sportsnet that he did not feel strong enough when he returned from injury last season. During the summer in his hometown of Saskatoon, he changed his diet and focused on conditioning and skating. He said he wants to stay in Calgary, where his brother lives.
Coach Ryan Huska told Sportsnet that more pace could help Zary get the puck more often. Huska expects to start the season with Zary alongside Ryan Strome and Yegor Sharangovich. The Flames listed that trio together in their projected lineup for a September 22 preseason game against Vancouver, though their opening-night line has not been confirmed.
“You’ve got to produce,” Zary told Sportsnet. He said he wants to create more scoring chances and help the Flames win consistently.
