Report: Multiple Teams Trying To Work Out Trade For Flames Connor Zary
Pagnotta said on Daily Faceoff LIVE on October 7 that there was interest in Zary but that his $3.775 million cap hit for the next two years is “the reason why he wasn’t plucked.”
He said some teams without full cap flexibility have told Calgary they like Zary but “got to send something back,” adding it doesn’t have to be an even swap and that they need “to make the money work in some capacity.”
Those comments are from earlier this month, and no trade has been reported since.
Why He Went Unclaimed
The Flames placed Zary on waivers October 5, he cleared October 6, and he was assigned to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, where he’s been playing.
Elliotte Friedman reported he went unclaimed because of his contract and that Calgary was still working the phones to find a trade.
Zary is 25, was the 24th overall pick in 2020, and had 12 goals and 13 assists in 74 games last season, with 39 goals and 48 assists in 193 career games.
Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Vancouver #Canucks are one of the teams who has some interest in #Flames forward Connor Zary. 🎥: Sportsnet https://t.co/KqBVeGmsBA
— Robert Munnich (@Robert_Munnich) October 11, 2026
He’s in the second season of a three-year, $11.33 million deal, and while $1.225 million of his cap hit can be buried in the AHL, the Flames carry a $2.55 million cap penalty while he’s with the Wranglers.
In six games in the AHL this season, Zary has one goal and four assists.
What Teams Are Asking For
Pagnotta said teams are continuing conversations with Flames GM Craig Conroy to see if there’s a way to “ease up the money a tiny bit, rather than getting them for free.”
Calgary had just over $14.35 million in cap space when it waived him, so the Flames have room to take salary back, now at $15.4M in space.
How has Connor Zary looked on the Calgary Wranglers? One goal, three assists in 6 AHL games. I guess I thought he’d be a bit more dominant, proving he has no business being in the minors. But maybe he has looked better than the numbers suggest.
— JōšĦ (@scribeskapin) October 22, 2026
The Flames shopped Zary in June as well, with insider Darren Dreger reporting they were seeking a second-round pick at the time.
