Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy is actively working the phones ahead of the NHL Entry Draft, with forward Matthew Zary being the subject of trade discussions. TSN reported on Tuesday that the Flames are looking to get a second-round selection in exchange for the 23-year-old centre.
Zary, a first-round pick (24th overall) by the Flames in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, has played in 77 career NHL games, registering 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points. He appeared in 61 games for Calgary last season, scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists. His performance saw an uptick in the latter half of the season, indicating potential for further development.
Acquiring a second-round pick would align with Conroy's strategy of retooling the Flames through the draft. Calgary currently holds multiple draft selections, but adding another valuable pick in the early rounds could provide an opportunity to select another promising prospect. The team is undergoing a transition period, and moving Zary for draft capital could be a key piece of that strategy.
The trade market for Zary is expected to be one to watch as the draft approaches. Teams looking to add a young, developing forward with NHL experience might find Zary an attractive option, especially if he can continue to build on his offensive production. The Flames' willingness to move him suggests a focus on future assets and potentially a reshaping of their forward group for the upcoming seasons.
