Recently, I wrote a piece about Matt Coronato and how the 2024-25 season is one that he needs to prove himself in, and he is beginning to feel more comfortable in the Flames system after splitting his time between the AHL and NHL last year. But, early into last season (after his explosive pre-season), he seemed like a shell of himself and was sent down to the AHL to work on his game. But another player turned up out of the blue after starting with the Wranglers, Connor Zary.

After scoring 10 points (one goal and nine assists) in his first six AHL games, Zary was called up to the big club and immediately made an impact, scoring nine points in his first 10 games as NHLer in 2023-24.

Zary found his stride, though, when he was put together with Nazem Kadri and Martin Pospisil. The line was not only the best on the Flames for an extended period, but the season ended, and it remained one of the best lines in the NHL, finishing with an expected goals-for percentage (xGF%) of 54.3, which is 26th of 44 lines that played at least 300 minutes at 5-on-5. Their goals for percentage (GF%) was sixth-best among those 44 lines at 66 percent, which over an entire season likely isn’t sustainable but impressive nonetheless.

To add some fun information, here is Zary’s regularized adjusted plus-minus chart from 2023-24, which showcases just how effective he was on both ends of the ice.

While he didn’t finish in the top five in Calder Trophy voting, Zary received two third-place, four fourth-place, and 15 fifth-place votes. He finished way behind Tyson Foerster of the Philadelphia Flyers, who finished seventh in voting with 10 third-place votes, 14 fourth-place votes, and 15 fifth-place votes, but finishing in the top 10 is an accomplishment in itself, especially considering he didn’t start the year with the team.

But what does a successful sophomore season look like for Zary?

The easy answer is an increase in point production would define his success. His 34 points in 63 games is an impressive total for a rookie coming into a new situation on a below-average team, and now, with that NHL Experience, he can find chemistry in the Flames’ top six. However, while that increase in point production is the most important step, backing that offensive output up with an adequate expected goal number is the insurance policy. Driving the offense that he creates, both at even strength and on the power play, is a great way to ensure more success in the future.

In addition to bumping up the number of his expected goals on offence, continuing his strong play on defence from last season is critical to helping himself and his team. The Flames have shored up their blue line, but forward defence, especially from players in the top six, always ensures you receive the most ice time and help your team win.

It will be interesting to see just what improvements Zary has made over the off-season, but if he can build on next season’s impressive production, he will be a major contributor on a Flames team that needs the young players to step up.