The 2026/27 NHL season has started as bad as it possibly could have for the Calgary Flames, with the teams -13 differential through three games being the third worst mark in National Hockey League history.
Unsurprisingly, there's been plenty of backlash to not just the results, but the way the team have been playing as well, as the boring, uninspiring offense under Ryan Huska have this team looking very, very poor.
That's led to some wanting to see changes, and while most believe the caoch will change at some point this season, the team made the surprise decision on Monday to place young forward Connor Zary on waivers.
Connor Zary Passes Through Waivers
The belief was that teams around the league could be interested, but given Zary's cap hit of $3.775 million for the lack of production, it would have surprised plenty of people to see him claimed on Tuesday. Now, we have the official confirmation that in fact, Zary has passed through waivers alongside Brayden Pachal, with both expected to report to the AHL's Calgary Wranglers.
Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal both clear waivers.
— Pat Steinberg (@SteinbergYYC) October 6, 2026
Now eligible to be sent to the AHL Wranglers. #Flames https://t.co/C9DFaunobs
This move comes off the back of Zary calling out Huska during his 2025/26 season ending interview, stating that young, offensive minded players simply don't get the freedom that they need to succeed in the NHL. It's been no secret that Zary and Huska simply aren't on the same page, but in two games this year, Zary hasn't looked engaged in the system and has struggled mightily, so this was a move that didn't shock some around Calgary.
What's Next for Connor Zary With the Calgary Flames?
Obviously, Zary once had very high potential with the Flames, but he simply hasn't found a role in Huska's system that suits him, and after he cleared waivers, the Flames coach stated that he's glad both remained in Calgary and wants to see both Zary and Pachal playing games for the Wranglers.
Now that they’ve cleared waivers, plan is for Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal to be sent to the AHL Wranglers.
— Pat Steinberg (@SteinbergYYC) October 6, 2026
Head coach Ryan Huska says both need to play games and he’s glad both are still in the organization. #Flames
Once upon a time, Zary starred for the Wranglers and forced his way into the NHL, with 58 points in 72 games of the Wranglers first season in Calgary seeing him promoted full-time to the Flames. Now, he'll need to use this opportunity to find his footing again, and while injuries have changed him as a player, the Flames believe there's still an NHLer in the 25-year-old.
It's up to both Pachal and Zary to respond in the AHL, with the team's next game coming this Friday, and with a future ahead still for Zary, expect him to respond amongst an AHL team that's confident on the back of a two-game series sweep this past weekend.
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