It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. The conference finals will be starting soon, but we focus on teams that currently aren’t playing. Teams will be making over their rosters with new additions. However, general managers are hoping to keep their key young players. Many of these youngsters are going to be restricted free agents on July 1. However, the key is finding a deal that works for both sides.
One team that has some decisions to make on key RFA is the Calgary Flames. This edition of NHL rumorus takes a look at a possible deal for one those key forwards.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
What Type of Deal Does a Key Calgary Flames RFA Forward Get?
Rumour: Anthony Di Marco of The Daily Faceoff took a look at what kind of contract RFA forward Connor Zary could getting this off-season.
Analysis: According to Di Marco, a source said a bridge deal could be what the Flames offer Zary. The 23-year-old registered 27 points in second season in the league. Zary had more points in the 2023-24 season with 34, but there have been some signs of solid play. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native was taken in the first round, 24th overall of the 2020 NHL Draft.
There have been moments from Zary, but there have also been some injury concerns. Zary did miss some time this season and he only played 54 of 82 games this season. He also only played in 63 games in the 2023-24 campaign.
Those injury concerns seem to be the major question mark regarding a deal for Zary. It seems those injury concerns are making the Flames hesitant on making a long-term commitment. This muddies the waters in regards for a new deal for the second-year pro.
What It Means
Zary will likely get a bridge deal as a way to see if he can stay healthy and produce. Di Marco mentions a three-year deal in the neighourhood of $3 million might be what the Flames offer the centre.
This is similar to the deal that Alex Newhook got with the Montreal Canadiens. Newhook produced 26 points in 82 games this season for the Habs. He had signed a four-year worth $2.9 million per season. Newhook’s deal could be a template for Zary’s next deal.
Flames General Manager Craig Conroy also has other RFA signings that he needs to make. Conroy already took care of one piece of business in inking Matthew Coronato to a long-term contract extension. However, there are some other signings that need to be made among the Flames’ RFAs.
Calgary still needs to sign Kevin Bahl and Morgan Frost, who are looking for new deals. Di Marco said that Conroy had met the duo’s agent, Darren Ferris, at the IIHF U18 World Championships in Texas.
Figuring out the Flames RFA situation will go a long way to filling in the puzzle. Calgary didn’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but made some big strides this season. Keeping these young players will go a long way to cementing their lineup.
Main photo by: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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