Connor Zary may be one of the more intriguing young players available on the NHL trade market, but the reported connection between the Calgary Flames forward and the New York Rangers requires some important context.
The credible part of the story is Calgary’s apparent willingness to move Zary. NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that the Flames were attempting to trade the 24-year-old and were believed to be seeking a second-round draft pick. The Rangers connection, however, has largely emerged by identifying New York as a logical destination rather than reports confirming that general manager Chris Drury has submitted an offer.
That does not make the possibility unrealistic. Zary is young, can play centre or wing and fits the Rangers’ stated objective of becoming younger and faster. He would also represent the type of calculated change-of-scenery gamble New York should be exploring during its roster retool.
The question is whether Zary’s upside is worth sacrificing a meaningful draft pick.
Why Connor Zary Could Fit the New York Rangers’ Retool
Zary produced 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points in 74 games during the 2025-26 season. Those numbers represented a step backward from the 34 points he recorded in 63 games as a rookie and the 27 points he collected in only 54 games during his second NHL season.
Connor Zary Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 191 | 39 | 47 | 86 | -4 |
| Playoffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The declining point totals will concern potential buyers, but I do not believe they tell the entire story.
Zary has not consistently been placed in a defined offensive role. He has moved between centre and wing while receiving varying linemates and responsibilities. That versatility can be valuable, but constantly changing a developing player’s role can also prevent him from establishing the confidence and chemistry needed to produce regularly.
My personal observation is that Zary still possesses the skating, puck control, and offensive instincts required to become a productive middle-six forward. I am less convinced that he will develop into a true first-line scorer. The most realistic projection is a versatile second- or third-line forward capable of producing approximately 35 to 45 points when deployed with skilled linemates.
That type of player would be useful to the Rangers, especially if New York wants to improve its speed and depth without committing to an older free agent on a long-term contract.
Connor Zary’s Contract Could Increase His Trade Value
The Flames officially signed Zary to a three-year contract carrying a $3.775 million average annual value in September 2025. That means an acquiring team would control him through the 2027-28 season, after which he is expected to remain a restricted free agent.
Based on the official contract terms, an acquiring team would take on approximately:
$3.775 million in 2026-27
$3.775 million in 2027-28
Total remaining commitment: $7.55 million
That is a manageable commitment if Zary becomes a reliable 40-point forward. It becomes less attractive if he continues producing at a 25-point pace while playing lower in the lineup.
NHLTradeRumor.com Connor Zary Trade-Fit Model
| Trade Factor | Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Age and upside | 8.5/10 | Zary is only 24 and still has development time remaining. |
| Contract control | 7.5/10 | Two affordable seasons remain before restricted free agency. |
| Current production | 5.5/10 | His 25-point season creates legitimate concerns about his ceiling. |
| Rangers roster fit | 8/10 | His speed and ability to play multiple forward positions match New York’s retool. |
| Acquisition cost | 7/10 | A second-round pick is reasonable, but not insignificant. |
Overall trade-fit score: 7.3 out of 10
Our model weighs age, contractual control, production, organizational fit, and acquisition cost. It is not based on private information or discussions with either team.
Should the Calgary Flames Accept a Second-Round Pick?
A second-round selection is not an unreasonable return, but it would still feel like Calgary was selling low.
The Flames selected Zary 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. Trading a former first-round pick at age 24 for a second-rounder would mean exchanging a player who has already reached the NHL for a draft pick that may never become a regular.
Calgary must therefore determine whether Zary’s declining production is the result of his deployment or evidence that his offensive ceiling is lower than originally projected.
From the Rangers’ perspective, this is exactly why the trade could be appealing. New York would be buying a distressed asset rather than paying a premium for a player coming off a breakout season. If Zary rebounds, a second-round pick could look like excellent value. If he does not, the Rangers would still have a versatile NHL forward under team control.
Are the Rangers Actually Negotiating With Calgary?
There is presently no credible public confirmation that the Rangers and Flames are engaged in direct Connor Zary trade negotiations.
My read is that this is a plausible match rather than an advanced negotiation. Calgary appears open to a move, while the Rangers have the roster direction and positional need that could make Zary attractive. The hockey logic is real, but the direct link remains speculative until a recognized insider reports contact between the two organizations.
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The post Connor Zary Linked to New York Rangers as Calgary Flames Explore Trade Market appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
