Connor Zary
Connor Zary is one of the Calgary Flames most promising young players, but after getting a significant chance for several seasons, he's yet to solidify his spot as a key piece of the team's future. This season, he played everywhere from first line wing to middle-six centre to a bottom line player, and unfortunately, that's not going to work again, especially with the future knocking on the door in Calgary.
With 12 goals and 25 points in 74 games played, he once again flashed potential, going on a stretch of 16 games in the season where he posted 9 assists and 3 goals, but he wasn't able to continue that due to the injury bug and his ever changing role. While he could still be a good player in the NHL, the Flames clearly haven't prioritized him, and with the likes of Gross, Castagna, Gridin, Suniev and others all stamping their claim, it may be time for the Flames to move on from their former first-round pick.
Verdict: The Flames should look to get a mid-round pick for Zary and move on, as they clearly don't believe in him enough to find a consistent role for him.
Zach Whitecloud
The Calgary Flames moved several veterans this season, but in each deal, they got a veteran back to fill the role, and while the team could look to move the others, Zach Whitecloud quickly made a very positive impression in Calgary, both on and off the ice. In an increased role, Whitecloud stepped up and became a great player for the Flames as well as a leader, and with both Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz also on the right side, the future appears to be set for the Flames at RHD.
At the 2026 trade deadline, teams reportedly came to the Flames with interest in Whitecloud given his cheap deal (two years, $2.75 AAV remaining), but Conroy didn't appear interested in moving him. On paper, it makes sense for the Flames to cash in on Whitecloud, with many believing they should have done so at the deadline, but with two young RHD around him, he's the perfect veteran to hang around and mentor the future.
Verdict: The Flames should hold onto Whitecloud, and only move him at the trade deadline if an offer blows the front office away.
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