There are a number of Calgary Wranglers that could make the leap to the NHL this season. Whether it is straight out of camp or when the inevitable injury bug rears its ugly head, the Wranglers will be ready. Connor Zary is one of the players hoping to make his NHL debut after a successful season in the AHL.
Zary has played in just 134 AHL games. The start to his 2021-22 season was delayed by a fractured ankle. Things were a bit turbulent for the forward. He did not have the same adjustment period as his teammates.. There was no opportunity to shake off the cobwebs. The expectation was for him to be ready and not miss a beat. Missing time affects a player in the moment and down the road.
The center had 13 goals and 25 assists in 53 games.
Zary Looks to Avoid More Speed Bumps
Playing catch up in the middle of the season is difficult. You are already falling behind your teammates and people you are ultimately competing with for a spot in the NHL. Highly touted prospects slipping through the lineup is nothing new. It is the nature of the beast.
It hasn’t been all negative though. He was the only Calgary Wrangler to appear in every single game ( 72 ) during the 2022-23 season. Zary finished the season with 21 goals and 37 assists. He finished second in scoring behind Matthew Phillips who had 36 goals.
A full healthy season showed to be of benefit to Zary and the Wranglers. He shined as a 200-foot player that finally had the confidence to throw his body around. His net front presence continues to be of value to the Wranglers.
What’s Next for Zary?
For the first time in Zary’s professional career, there is a real chance to make the Flames roster out of camp. No one is signing veterans to fill out that forth line to eat up minutes. Not only are there roster spots, there is a coach and a General Manager who are on the same page. It’s time for the next step for some Wranglers.
A healthy Zary is an impactful player that should be on the ice. The Flames need to invest in their prospects before sending them off or letting them walk to greener pastures. Zary not making the roster out of camp won’t be the end of the world. He missed time due to injury and splitting a season in the WHL. The 21-year-old does not need to be rushed. The more reps the better. Allow him to refine those skills and be ready for when the phone call comes.
