Canucks Linked to Connor Zary as Flames Weigh Trade Options

Connor Zary trade rumors have surfaced after Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman named the Vancouver Canucks as a potential suitor for the Calgary Flames centre during a Saturday Night Headlines segment. Friedman’s report, which was also shared by Daily Faceoff Vancouver on Twitter, indicated Vancouver is among the teams interested in Zary, though a deal is not believed to be imminent.

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Waiver Surprise and Contract Hurdle

Zary’s availability stems from a surprising move: Calgary placed the 25-year-old on waivers on Monday, October 5. He went unclaimed, a development that raised eyebrows around the league. The reason may lie in his contract. Zary carries a $3.775 million annual cap hit that runs until 2028, a significant commitment for a player whose production has slipped.

Last season, Zary recorded 25 points in 74 games. That followed a 27-point output in 54 games the year before and a rookie campaign in 2023-24 in which he scored 34 points in 63 games. Knee injuries suffered during the 2024-25 season appear to have affected his mobility. According to NHL EDGE data, Zary’s maximum skating speed dropped from 22.15 mph in 2023-24 to 19.79 mph in 2026-27.

Canucks' Cap Space and Waiver Priority

Vancouver has over $16 million in cap space and holds top waiver priority until November 1st. Yet the club passed on claiming Zary for free, signaling it is not willing to absorb his full contract without additional incentive. The Canucks want a sweetener—likely a draft pick or another asset—to take on the deal.

That stance aligns with Vancouver’s broader strategy. The Canucks are in the early stages of a rebuild and have been looking to weaponize their cap flexibility to acquire future assets. Head coach Manny Malhotra places a premium on speed, which could make Zary’s declining footspeed a concern. Aatu Räty has been scratched repeatedly, and Arshdeep Bains and Brendan Gallagher are among the forwards already in the mix, leaving Zary’s potential role unclear.

Flames' Retention Stance and Rebuild

Calgary general manager Craig Conroy has one salary retention spot remaining, but Friedman reported the Flames do not want to use it on Zary. That complicates any trade, as Vancouver would likely need salary retained or a sweetener to justify the acquisition. Calgary, also in the early stages of a rebuild, may prefer to give Zary a change of scenery while maximizing his trade value. He was sent down to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers after clearing waivers.

For now, both sides appear content to wait. The Flames could opt to keep Zary and hope his performance rebounds, while the Canucks may explore other ways to use their cap space. Zary could also be flipped at the trade deadline if a market develops. With the November 1st waiver priority deadline looming, Vancouver’s leverage will diminish, but no deal is expected soon.