As the Calgary Flames navigate their offseason, one of the pressing tasks for General Manager Craig Conroy is securing a contract extension for young forward Connor Zary. Zary, who is coming off his entry-level contract, has shown promise and is viewed as a key piece of the Flames' future. The negotiation strategy appears to be leaning towards a bridge deal, a shorter-term contract designed to allow Zary to further prove his value while providing the Flames with cost certainty in the near term.

Zary's performance has been somewhat inconsistent, with his most recent season seeing a slight dip in production compared to his rookie year. In 54 games, he recorded 27 points, a step back from his initial impact. However, it's important to consider that lingering injuries may have contributed to this decline. His underlying metrics reveal a player with a nose for high-danger scoring areas, ranking in the 69th percentile for high-danger shot chances.

When projecting the terms of Zary's next contract, it's useful to look at comparable players. According to a source, the Flames organization is using Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook's contract as a comparable. Several factors influence the projection. Zary's age (23), his potential for growth, and the Flames' current cap situation all play a role. The team has already committed to a significant extension with Matt Coronato, signing him to a seven-year, $45.5 million deal. This demonstrates the organization's willingness to invest in its young talent, but it also necessitates a measured approach with other extensions.

Given these considerations, a three-year bridge deal seems like a reasonable outcome. This would give Zary the opportunity to demonstrate his ability to consistently perform at a high level, while also allowing the Flames to evaluate his long-term fit within the team's evolving structure. The annual average value (AAV) of such a contract is a key point of negotiation. Considering Zary's production and potential, a figure in the range of $2.5 million to $3 million per year might be a fair compromise.

Securing Zary's future is a priority for the Flames as they aim to build a competitive team. By opting for a bridge deal, both the player and the organization can assess their long-term compatibility and make informed decisions about the future.