The Calgary Flames have secured forward Connor Zary with a three-year contract extension. The deal, announced Friday, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $3.775 million.

Zary, 23, was a restricted free agent (RFA). Selected by the Flames in the first round (24th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, Zary has become an important part of Calgary's offensive mix.

In 117 career games with the Flames, Zary has recorded 27 goals and 61 points. During the 2024-25 season, he tallied 13 goals and 27 points in 54 games. However, his season was cut short due to a lower-body injury.

Zary's journey to the NHL included a strong junior career with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he amassed 206 points in 203 games. He then transitioned to the professional level, initially with the AHL's Stockton Heat and later with the Calgary Wranglers after the team's relocation. His performance in the AHL, particularly during the 2022-23 season, paved the way for his NHL debut with the Flames.

Zary quickly established himself as an exciting young talent, showcasing his offensive skills and earning a regular spot in the Flames' lineup. While his second season in the NHL demonstrated continued promise, it was also marked by a pair of knee injuries that sidelined him for 28 games.

This three-year "bridge contract" allows the Flames to maintain cost control while further evaluating Zary's long-term fit with the team. For Zary, it provides an opportunity to prove himself and potentially earn a more lucrative contract in the future. A healthy and consistent performance over the next three years could position him for a significant raise, especially with the salary cap expected to increase.

With Zary's contract extension finalized, the Flames have addressed most of their major off-season business, having already re-signed several other players.