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Connor Zary
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Connor Zary (born September 25, 2001) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1] Zary was selected 24th overall by the Flames in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Key Information
Playing career
[edit]Junior
[edit]Following three standout seasons with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, Zary was widely seen as a top prospect newly eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.[2] The NHL Central Scouting Bureau rated Zary as the 15th-best North American skater eligible for selection in 2020.[1]
At the draft, which was rescheduled to October 6, 2020, from its usual date in late June, Zary was selected by the Calgary Flames with the 24th overall pick.[3] On December 31, Zary was signed by the Flames to a three-year, entry-level contract.[4]
Calgary Flames
[edit]On November 1, 2023, Zary made his NHL debut with the Flames, scoring his first career NHL goal in a 4–3 loss to the Dallas Stars.[5]
Career statistics
[edit]| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Representing  Canada
| ||
| Ice hockey | ||
| World Junior Championships | ||
 |
2021 Canada | |
Regular season and playoffs
[edit]| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2017–18 | Kamloops Blazers | WHL | 68 | 11 | 18 | 29 | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2018–19 | Kamloops Blazers | WHL | 63 | 24 | 43 | 67 | 55 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 6 | ||
| 2019–20 | Kamloops Blazers | WHL | 57 | 38 | 48 | 86 | 51 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2020–21 | Stockton Heat | AHL | 9 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2020–21 | Kamloops Blazers | WHL | 15 | 6 | 18 | 24 | 35 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2021–22 | Stockton Heat | AHL | 53 | 13 | 12 | 25 | 36 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | ||
| 2022–23 | Calgary Wranglers | AHL | 72 | 21 | 37 | 58 | 63 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | ||
| 2023–24 | Calgary Wranglers | AHL | 6 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2023–24 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 63 | 14 | 20 | 34 | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2024–25 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 54 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 117 | 27 | 34 | 61 | 36 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
International
[edit]| Year | Team | Event | Result | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Canada | U18 | 4th | 7 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 6 | |
| 2021 | Canada | WJC | 
|
7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Junior totals | 14 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 8 | ||||
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Connor Zary - Elite Prospects". Elite Prospects. Archived from the original on June 23, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
- ^ McKenzie, Bob (June 22, 2020). "Lafreniere the surest thing in a most uncertain draft year". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
- ^ Pike, Ryan (October 6, 2020). "Flames select Connor Zary at 24th overall". FlamesNation.ca. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
- ^ "Flames sign Connor Zary". Calgary Flames. December 31, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
- ^ "Oh, So Close!". Calgary Flames. November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Eurohockey.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
 | This biographical article relating to a Canadian ice hockey centre is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
Connor Zary
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and junior career
Early life
Connor Zary was born on September 25, 2001, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to parents Scott and Kathleen Zary.[6] The Zary family maintained strong ties to hockey, with Connor and his older brother Treyton frequently playing together from a young age, including mini-sticks games in the basement and on backyard rinks their parents helped set up.[7][8] Treyton often accompanied Connor to practices and games, offering unwavering support that reinforced the family's emphasis on the sport as a central part of their lives.[7] From an early age, Zary immersed himself in hockey through Saskatoon's local minor associations, starting with the Saskatoon Bandits U15 AA team in 2014-15 and progressing to the Saskatoon Outlaws U15 AA squad the following season, where he captained the team and recorded 81 points in 30 games.[2][9] This period highlighted his budding talent and the pivotal role of familial encouragement alongside Saskatoon's vibrant hockey community in fostering his passion for the game.[7][8] As a left-handed shot, Zary demonstrated physical growth during his youth, reaching approximately 6 feet tall by his midget years, a trait observed in early scouting evaluations.[2]Junior career
At age 16, Zary relocated from Saskatoon to Kamloops, British Columbia, to join the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the 2017–18 season, following his selection in the second round (37th overall) of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.[6][2] In his debut WHL season of 2017–18, Zary appeared in 68 games, recording 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points, establishing himself as a promising two-way center while adjusting to the league's pace.[2] He showed improved production in 2018–19, tallying 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points over 63 games, highlighting his growing offensive instincts and playmaking ability.[2] Zary's breakout came in the 2019–20 season, where he led the Blazers with 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points in just 57 games, tying for third in Western Conference scoring and demonstrating elite scoring touch through a deceptive wrist shot and precise placement.[2][10] His performance earned him a spot on the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team, recognizing his leadership on the ice and ability to drive play.[10] However, the season was cut short in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing playoffs and limiting further evaluation, though Zary had already solidified his status as a top NHL draft prospect, ranked 28th by Elite Prospects.[2][11] Pre-draft scouting reports praised Zary's scoring prowess, including his vision, crisp passing, and two-way reliability, alongside his leadership qualities as a trusted center who elevated teammates.[12][13] On October 6, 2020, he was selected 24th overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames, a pick supported by his family back in Saskatoon.[8] Zary signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Flames on December 31, 2020.[14] He returned to the Blazers for the shortened 2020–21 season, where he was named team captain on March 24, 2021, and recorded 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points in 15 games before transitioning to professional hockey.[3][15]Professional career
American Hockey League
Following his selection in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames, Zary signed a three-year entry-level contract and was assigned to the Flames' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Stockton Heat, on January 13, 2021.[2][16] The 2020–21 AHL season was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a delayed start and shortened schedule; Zary appeared in just nine regular-season games with Stockton, recording three goals and four assists for seven points.[17] In the 2021–22 season, Zary transitioned to a fuller professional role with Stockton, playing 53 regular-season games and tallying 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points while accumulating 36 penalty minutes, as he adapted to the faster pace and physical demands of pro hockey. He also contributed to the Heat's playoff run, appearing in 13 games with one goal and one assist for two points. This season marked a period of adjustment, where Zary focused on building consistency against more experienced opponents.[18] Ahead of the 2022–23 season, Zary moved with the Flames' AHL affiliate to the newly established Calgary Wranglers. He had a breakout rookie campaign, leading the team with 21 goals and 37 assists for 58 points in 72 regular-season games, along with a plus-7 rating and 63 penalty minutes, showcasing improved offensive production and physical engagement. His performance earned consideration for the AHL All-Rookie Team, though he was not ultimately selected.[19] In the playoffs, Zary helped the Wranglers reach the Western Conference Finals, recording one goal and three assists for four points in nine games.[20] Zary's 2023–24 AHL stint was brief but impressive, as he started strongly with the Wranglers, posting one goal and nine assists for 10 points in six games before earning an NHL call-up in late October.[17][21] Over his AHL career through 2023–24, Zary amassed 140 regular-season games, 38 goals, 62 assists, and 100 points, with notable growth in defensive reliability—such as better puck retrievals and zone exits—and increased physicality, evidenced by rising penalty minutes and on-ice contributions in both ends.[2][22][23]| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Stockton Heat | 9 | 3 | 4 | 7 | +2 | 4 |
| 2021–22 | Stockton Heat | 53 | 13 | 12 | 25 | –4 | 36 |
| 2022–23 | Calgary Wranglers | 72 | 21 | 37 | 58 | +7 | 63 |
| 2023–24 | Calgary Wranglers | 6 | 1 | 9 | 10 | +4 | 2 |
| Total | 140 | 38 | 62 | 100 | +9 | 105 |
National Hockey League
Connor Zary made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames on November 1, 2023, against the Dallas Stars at Scotiabank Saddledome, where he recorded his first career point by scoring the opening goal just 5:28 into the first period during a 4–3 loss.[24] The goal, assisted by Chris Tanev and Nazem Kadri, came from a loose puck in front of the net, showcasing Zary's quick instincts in his initial NHL action after a strong start in the American Hockey League that prompted his call-up.[25] In his 2023–24 rookie season, Zary appeared in 63 games for the Flames, tallying 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points while adapting to the league's increased speed and physicality, often playing on the third or fourth lines.[1] His scoring touch emerged steadily, with notable contributions including multi-point games that highlighted his transition from junior and minor-league levels.[26] Zary's 2024–25 season saw him play 54 games, recording 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points, though his performance was hampered by two knee injuries that limited his consistency and led to time on injured reserve.[1][27] These setbacks disrupted line chemistry, as he rotated through pairings with centers like Mikael Backlund and wingers such as Blake Coleman, affecting his overall production compared to his debut year.[28][29] As of November 18, 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 season, Zary has suited up for 18 games with the Flames, posting 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points amid a slow start marked by frustration in puck possession and scoring chances.[1] On September 6, 2025, Zary signed a three-year contract extension with the Flames worth $11.325 million, carrying an average annual value of $3.775 million and running through the 2027–28 season.[30] This bridge deal secures the restricted free agent as a key part of Calgary's young core, rewarding his steady development despite injury challenges.[31] Zary's playing style features a deceptive shot release, precise placement, and the ability to unleash quick, accurate wrist shots, complemented by two-way reliability that allows him to contribute defensively while driving play forward.[2] These attributes have positioned him as a success story among the Flames' prospects, integrating seamlessly into the team's rebuilding efforts around skilled, versatile forwards.[32]International career
Under-18
Connor Zary earned his first major international call-up following a breakout 2018–19 season with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, where he posted 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points in 63 regular-season games, establishing himself as a top offensive prospect.[2] This performance led to his selection for Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Championships, held in Örnsköldsvik and Umeå, Sweden from April 16 to 26.[33] In the tournament, Zary played all seven games as a forward, recording four goals and three assists for seven points while accumulating six penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating.[2] His offensive contributions helped Canada advance through the round-robin stage undefeated before reaching the semifinals, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish after a 3–4 loss to Sweden in the semifinal and a 2–5 loss to the United States in the bronze medal game. Zary's role emphasized his scoring ability, highlighted by a power-play goal in the 3–4 semifinal defeat to Sweden on April 27, where he tallied at 15:43 of the second period to tie the game at 1–1.[34] During the round-robin, he provided a key assist on the game-winning goal against Finland in a 5–3 victory on April 18, feeding linemate Ty Dellandrea for a one-timer with 5:29 remaining in regulation.[35] He also notched an assist in the quarterfinal win over Latvia, underscoring his playmaking in high-stakes playoff action.[36]World Juniors
Connor Zary was selected to represent Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Under-20 Championship, held from December 25, 2020, to January 5, 2021, in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.[37] As a first-round pick of the Calgary Flames in the 2020 NHL Draft, Zary earned his spot on the roster following a strong performance at the National Junior Team selection camp, where he contributed offensively in intrasquad scrimmages. In the tournament, Zary appeared in all seven games for Canada, recording zero goals and two assists for two points while posting a plus-four rating.[38] Canada advanced to the gold medal game after defeating the Czech Republic 3-2 in the semifinals but fell 2-0 to the United States in the final, securing a silver medal—Canada's 10th such finish in tournament history. Zary's assists came in preliminary-round wins over Germany (16-2) and Switzerland (10-0), highlighting his contributions in lopsided victories.[39] As a depth forward on a stacked Canadian lineup featuring high-end talents like Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs, Zary focused primarily on defensive responsibilities and penalty killing, often logging limited ice time amid intense competition for minutes.[40] In the gold medal game, for instance, he played just under seven minutes but made notable defensive plays, including backchecking efforts to disrupt American rushes.[41] This checking role contrasted with his more offensively oriented play at the under-18 level the prior year. The silver medal performance bolstered Zary's profile as a reliable two-way player, directly influencing his professional trajectory with the Flames, who signed him to a three-year entry-level contract on December 31, 2020, shortly after the tournament's midway point.[14] The international exposure, including competing against top prospects, accelerated his development path, providing valuable experience in high-stakes games that prepared him for transitions to professional leagues post-junior career.[42]Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
Connor Zary's career statistics reflect his development as a scorer across junior and professional leagues, with notable growth in production from his WHL days to his NHL rookie season, where he recorded 14 goals in 63 games. His totals emphasize consistent point-per-game rates, rising from 0.43 in his first WHL season to 1.51 in his final full junior year, before adapting to pro levels with 0.71 points per game in the AHL and 0.48 in the NHL as of November 2025.WHL Statistics
Zary spent four seasons with the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL, accumulating 206 points in 203 regular-season games, showcasing his offensive progression amid increasing physicality. He appeared in limited playoff action, totaling 4 points in 4 games during the 2019 playoffs.Regular Season
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Kamloops Blazers | 68 | 11 | 18 | 29 | –2 | 26 |
| 2018–19 | Kamloops Blazers | 63 | 24 | 43 | 67 | 18 | 55 |
| 2019–20 | Kamloops Blazers | 57 | 38 | 48 | 86 | 30 | 51 |
| 2020–21 | Kamloops Blazers | 15 | 6 | 18 | 24 | 9 | 35 |
| Total | 203 | 79 | 127 | 206 | 55 | 167 |
Playoffs
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Kamloops Blazers | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | –1 | 6 |
| Total | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | –1 | 6 |
AHL Statistics
In the AHL, Zary played for the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers, posting 100 points in 140 regular-season games over four seasons, with his peak performance in 2022–23 at 58 points in 72 games, highlighting his adaptation to professional defense. He contributed modestly in the Calder Cup playoffs, earning 6 points in 22 games across two postseasons.Regular Season
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Stockton Heat | 9 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| 2021–22 | Stockton Heat | 53 | 13 | 12 | 25 | –4 | 36 |
| 2022–23 | Calgary Wranglers | 72 | 21 | 37 | 58 | 7 | 63 |
| 2023–24 | Calgary Wranglers | 6 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 140 | 38 | 62 | 100 | 9 | 105 |
Playoffs
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Stockton Heat | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | –1 | 4 |
| 2022–23 | Calgary Wranglers | 9 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 22 | 2 | 4 | 6 | –1 | 8 |
NHL Statistics
Zary debuted with the Calgary Flames in the 2023–24 season, establishing himself as a reliable middle-six forward with 63 points in 132 games through the 2025–26 season's early games, maintaining a positive impact despite a slight dip in efficiency. As of November 2025, he has yet to appear in NHL playoffs.Regular Season
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Calgary Flames | 63 | 14 | 20 | 34 | 12 | 22 |
| 2024–25 | Calgary Flames | 54 | 13 | 14 | 27 | –7 | 14 |
| 2025–26 | Calgary Flames | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 | –4 | 8 |
| Total | 132 | 28 | 35 | 63 | 1 | 44 |
Playoffs
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Calgary Flames | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Career Totals
Across all leagues, Zary has played 475 regular-season games, scoring 145 goals and 224 assists for 369 points, with his NHL entry marking a transition from high-volume junior scoring to efficient professional output. In playoffs, he has 26 games with 10 points, primarily from AHL and WHL appearances.International
Connor Zary represented Canada at the international junior level, competing in two IIHF tournaments after being selected from the Western Hockey League's Kamloops Blazers roster. In the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships held in Sweden, Zary showcased offensive contributions, tallying 4 goals and 3 assists over 7 games as Canada finished fourth overall.| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | IIHF World U18 Championships | 7 | 4 | 3 | 7 | +5 | 6 |
| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | IIHF World U20 Championships | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +2 | 4 |