Connor Zary showing promise centering Jonathan Huberdeau

Connor Zary’s rookie campaign has been a nice little surprise. His insertion into the Calgary Flames lineup had an immediate impact that has carried through the entire year.

The translation of Zary’s skill to the NHL combined with his strong impact in all three zones this season has been somewhat of a revelation.

He has been a stalwart on Nazem Kadri’s flank for the lion’s share of the 2023-24 campaign and has certainly boosted Kadri’s on-ice play (and vice versa). The line of Kadri, Zary, and Martin Pospisil has been the Flames’ most dangerous goal-scoring trio throughout most of the season.

Given the organizational lack of young centres, it’s natural that many were curious to get a look at the 22-year-old in the position he played throughout his junior years with the Kamloops Blazers.

Following a night in the press box against the Winnipeg Jets head coach Ryan Huska was also curious to see Zary slot down the middle inserting him back into the lineup against the Edmonton Oilers between Dryden Hunt and Jonathan Huberdeau.

Despite a loss in the battle of Alberta, the new-look Zary line had a strong game. The Huberdeau and Zary connection was impactful instantly. They dominated possession in the first period and concluded the night having created four high-danger scoring chances while surrendering zero.

A solid outing in San Jose from the Huberdeau and Zary duo, this time skating with Andrew Mangiapane, was sandwiched by a tougher night against the tight-checking Los Angeles Kings.

It was against the Anaheim Ducks where Zary and Huberdeau were rewarded for their strong play as they connected on a great rush goal. Zary out-muscles and alludes Alex Killorn and he and Huberdeau work a nifty give-and-go featuring the patented Huberdeau spin pass.