NHL Trade Rumors: Contract talks stall between Calgary Flames and RFA Connor Zary

The Calgary Flames still have unfinished business before the 2025-26 NHL season begins, as restricted free agent Connor Zary remains without a contract. Despite the team securing several other young players to new deals this summer, negotiations with Zary’s camp have hit a standstill.

With training camp quickly approaching, the delay raises questions about the 23-year-old forward’s future role in Calgary’s lineup.

Calgary Flames and RFA Connor Zary remain apart on NHL contract terms

According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, the Flames and Zary’s representatives remain apart on both term and salary, despite mutual interest in reaching a deal. Friedman emphasized that the impasse isn’t rooted in a lack of fit between player and team but rather differing views on contract structure.

Encouragingly, Friedman noted that talks are beginning to pick up as the season nears.General manager Craig Conroy has otherwise been busy, signing Matt Coronato, Kevin Bahl, Morgan Frost, and Martin Pospisil earlier this offseason. Zary remains the lone unresolved RFA, keeping him firmly in the spotlight as Calgary looks to finalize its roster.

Connor Zary’s development, injury history, and future outlook with the Calgary Flames

Zary, a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has now completed his entry-level deal and brings four years of pro experience.

He has shown versatility, playing both center and wing, and displayed steady progression since joining the organization. However, injuries derailed much of his 2024-25 season, including two knee-on-knee collisions that cost him significant time and limited his production compared to the previous year.Despite the setbacks, Zary is still viewed as an important part of Calgary’s future. The Flames are hoping he can build on his offensive potential while staying healthy for a full season.

With the regular season opener set for October 7, both sides face pressure to reach an agreement that keeps the young forward in the fold.Connor Zary’s unresolved contract situation stands as the final piece of Calgary’s offseason puzzle. While negotiations have been slow, the expectation remains that a deal will get done before the puck drops. Still, until pen meets paper, the Flames’ depth chart carries some uncertainty, leaving fans and analysts closely monitoring one of the team’s most pressing storylines heading into 2025-26.Also Read: Rasmus Andersson trade rumors heat up as Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund hints at move