Flames recall top prospect

The Calgary Flames have recalled top prospect Connor Zary from the AHL. Zary is currently on a six-game point streak in the minors, with 10 points through six games to start the season. That scoring has been mostly made up of assists, with Zary ranked third in the AHL with nine assists. But he made sure to make a statement with his sole goal on the year, scoring the game-winning goal in the Calgary Wranglers’ home-opener.

Zary has emerged as an exciting prospect since being drafted 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He made his professional debut during the 2020-21 season, playing in nine AHL games and scoring seven points after the end of the Kamloops Blazers season. He fulfilled his rookie season in the league in 2021-22, netting 25 points in 53 games, and experienced a massive jump in scoring last year when he tallied 58 points in 72 games. It’s been a gradual climb to success for Zary, who is now on fire to start the season. He’s been rewarded with an NHL call-up, where he’ll potentially get a chance to make his NHL debut.

Zary could vie for a lineup spot quickly, as Adam Ruzicka has been announced as day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Dryden Hunt has slotted into the lineup as a result but has gone without a point and a negative three in the three games that he’s played in. Changing over to the red-hot Zary could be the spark the Calgary needs to get their offense going, as the Flames currently have the fifth-fewest goals on the season.