Connor Zary Centre Role
Why Calgary Flames Should Develop Connor Zary At Centre This Season
Anonymous
Connor Zary is running out of time. The 24-year-old Calgary Flames centre, drafted 24th overall in 2020 as a high-scoring prospect, has seen his NHL career stall badly. Calgary Sun reports that Zary must establish himself as a legitimate centre this season or risk becoming a depth player. His numbers tell the story: 14 goals and 34 points in his rookie year, but just 12 goals and 25 points last season—his worst totals yet.
The Flames' centre depth is aging fast. Backlund is 37, Ryan Strome is 33. If Zary finds his footing, Calgary could avoid costly acquisitions. But injury, bad luck, and a muddled role have derailed his development so far. This season is critical for both player and team.
From Prospect Star to Ninth in Team Scoring
Zary arrived in Calgary with elite offensive credentials. As a junior, he was a high-scoring, creative playmaker—exactly what a rebuilding team needs. His 44-point pace in year one (14 goals, 34 points in 63 games) looked promising. But last season, everything vanished. Ottawa Sun notes that his offensive spark disappeared at the NHL level, and his defence failed to improve either.
Finishing ninth in team scoring with 25 points is a red flag for a former first-round pick. Zary ranks below journeymen and prospects. His creativity has dried up. His shot isn't falling. Injury and bad luck are part of it, but the core issue is clear: Zary hasn't adapted to NHL pace or defence.
Why Zary Must Play Centre, Not Wing
The Flames keep shifting Zary between positions. That uncertainty breeds poor play. Calgary Herald emphasizes that Zary needs a clear, permanent role—and that role must be centre. He was drafted as a centre. He needs to own the role. Backlund and Strome can't play forever. Zary is the future down the middle.
Playing centre means bigger ice, more touches, more shooting lanes. It also means defensive responsibility. Zary needs both. His creative gifts only shine if he's running the offence from the dot. Winging him hides his weaknesses but wastes his strengths. This season must be his last chance to prove he can be a 50-point centre.
The Flames' Urgent Need for Depth Up the Middle
Calgary's centre group is brittle. Backlund, 37, can't carry the load alone. Strome, 33, is a good depth piece but not a long-term answer. Behind them is a cluster of prospects and fringe players with no proven track record. If Zary becomes a productive centre, the team avoids spending assets on a trade or signing an overpriced free agent.
The math is simple. Develop Zary now or pay later. Edmonton Journal makes clear that the Flames cannot afford to ignore his potential. He cost a 24th pick; he's cost the team years of hope. Either the investment pays off this year, or Calgary has to rebuild the centre depth from scratch.
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