The Calgary Flames’ Connor Zary situation keeps moving toward an ending, and Elliotte Friedman says the next step could be a buyout.
On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman said the Flames may have to make a major decision on the 25-year-old if they can’t find a trade partner. Zary cleared waivers, and Friedman pointed to his $3.775 million cap hit as a big reason why no team stepped in.
“That 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 added that the New York Rangers were among the teams that showed some interest, but they couldn’t make the money work. He also said he heard Calgary gave Zary permission last season to speak with other teams, though nothing came of it.
The Flames apparently spent the summer trying to move him, with reports that they were seeking a second-round pick in return. Friedman confirmed there was interest, but no club was willing to pay that price. He also said Calgary made one more push the day before waivers, putting Zary’s name into the GM groupchat to see if anyone would bite.
“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.”
That lack of traction matters because the Flames are also not interested in using their final retention spot on him in a deal. Friedman said any trade would likely require Calgary to take money back.
If a trade never comes together, a buyout is on the table. Because Zary is 25, Friedman said he would be eligible for a one-third buyout. If the Flames go that route at season’s end, it would leave them with a $600,000 cap hit for the next two seasons.
There’s also the possibility of Zary terminating his contract, though Friedman noted it would be hard for a player to walk away from that kind of money.
However it plays out, the signs point in the same direction: Zary’s time in Calgary looks close to over. Whether the Flames trade him or buy him out, his run with the team appears headed for a split after this season.
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