Flames Waive Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal After 0-3 Start
Calgary placed forward Connor Zary and defenseman Brayden Pachal on waivers Monday. Zary, a 2020 first-round pick, has one assist in two games and was a healthy scratch Saturday as the Flames opened 0-3 while being outscored 16-3. His contract carries a $3.775 million cap hit through next season, and Calgary could bury $1.225 million in the AHL if he clears.
Calgary’s decision came with the club at 0-3, having been outscored 16-3. Zary, 25, was taken 24th overall in 2020. After a 14-goal, 34-point rookie campaign in 2023-24, knee trouble limited him to 54 games in 2024-25, and he posted 12 goals and 25 points in 74 games last season. He has 39 goals and 87 points across 193 NHL appearances.
Pachal, 27, has not played this season. The waivers give other clubs 24 hours to claim either player. Zary’s $3.775 million cap charge runs through next season; if he clears and is assigned to the AHL, Calgary can reduce its cap burden by $1.225 million. The moves create two roster openings.
The waiving of Zary and Pachal could affect the players’ careers and families, as a claim or AHL assignment may mean relocation and reduced NHL opportunity. Flames fans may see it as a signal of organizational urgency after a poor start, while other clubs with cap space may view Zary as a low-risk gamble. The outcome may also shift roster chances for AHL Wranglers players and shape Calgary’s short-term flexibility.