Updates Dropped on Two Calgary Flames' Contract Extensions

Connor Zary skates for Calgary Flames during game

Connor Zary isn't the only extension on the minds of the Calgary Flames these days. Captain Mikael Backlund, entering his 18th season with the team, and still lining up as the second-line center, is on an expiring contract this coming season. The 36-year-old wants to finish his career right where he's been for its entirety.

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period says that is likely what's going to happen:

Chatting with flames captain Mikael Backlund in Milan, 10 days ago, it is clear he is confident he will be sticking around Calgary after his current contract expires. There's work to be done, but an extension, at some point, seems expected.

His last deal was for two years, totaling $9 million ($4.5M cap hit). AFP Analytics projects his next contract to look pretty much exactly the same.

Connor Zary contract talks making progress

The other contract discussions the Flames are having are much more urgent, as restricted free agent Connor Zary is one of the few notable RFAs still without a deal around the NHL, with training camp opening in just about two weeks.

Pagnotta tells us there appears to be some progress on this front:

I'm told contract talks with restricted free agent youngster Connor Zary are 'getting closer' on a three year deal, but there is still work to be done.

The last update we got, from a few weeks back, was that the two sides were about a million apart on AAV. The Flames, at that time, were said to be pitching something in the $3M - $3.5M range, while Zary was looking at something closer to the mid-$4Ms.

AFP Analytics projected him to come in at a three-year deal with a $3.4 million AAV. Insiders suggest the two sides will likely compromise somewhere in the middle.

Zary had 13 goals and 27 points in 54 games last season.