Calgary — Following a protracted period of contract negotiations, Connor Zary recently finalized an $11.3 million extension, after which he promptly headed to the golf course with friends.
“To be honest, my golf game completely fell apart afterward,” the 23-year-old Flames forward admitted with a laugh from his Saskatoon residence.
“I was so full of nervous energy; I couldn`t even properly address the ball.”
“It was a huge relief to finally have it settled.”
The negotiation process was complicated by Zary`s injury-marred season, which made establishing comparable contract figures somewhat challenging. Ultimately, he inked a three-year agreement, which will see him earn an average of $3.775 million annually.
What proved to be a frustrating journey for many who expected an agreement much earlier in the summer, Zary disclosed that initial discussions for an extension began last summer. However, these talks were interrupted when he sustained two knee injuries during the past season.
Negotiations resumed in July, culminating in a deal that provides the Flames with financial predictability for a versatile top-nine forward capable of playing multiple positions.
“It`s always difficult missing time, and those two injuries certainly didn`t help,” Zary remarked, reflecting on the complex negotiations that followed a season where he scored 13 goals and recorded 27 points in 54 games.
“The stress kept building, and at times it was frustrating, but now it feels like a clean slate, and we can move forward. I never considered missing training camp. For me, it`s about seizing every opportunity and making a significant impact.”
Regarded as one of the organization`s more intelligent and well-rounded young talents, Zary playfully conceded that he might have missed an opportunity by not covering the bill during his Friday night celebration with family.
“I tried to, but my parents insisted on treating me – I think they`re just incredibly proud,” said Zary, who received a $500,000 signing bonus.
“I really should be paying. I`ll pick up all the tabs from now on.”
Coach Ryan Huska and GM Craig Conroy will closely monitor where this skilled first-round pick, known for his stickhandling and playmaking, and projected as a 20-goal, 50-point player, best fits into a lineup keen on boosting its offensive output.
A fully healthy Zary could significantly enhance the Flames` performance, especially given their fourth-to-last finish in NHL scoring last season.
Anticipate considerable discussion regarding when — rather than if — Zary will transition to playing center, a position where the organization consistently seeks to strengthen its roster.
This contract represents a smart move for Conroy, whose primary remaining concern before training camp now revolves around Rasmus Andersson`s future. That, however, is a topic for another occasion, specifically Tuesday`s golf tournament, where the veteran is expected to speak for the first time since his impending trade by the deadline became clear.
Securing Zary`s contract removes one major distraction, allowing the team to focus on its development around promising young players like him.
“The three-year term was crucial for us,” Conroy stated.
“We believe it offers him stability while giving us cost certainty.”
“We expect him to be a 50-to-60 point player, and he shares that ambition. It was important to have him in camp on time. We hope this frees his mind so he can simply focus on playing.”
Zary, who sat out the final 11 games of the previous season, assures he has been completely healthy throughout the summer. He has been training rigorously to demonstrate why he will command a much higher value as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in three years, at which point he`ll be one year away from unrestricted free agency.
“I always feel there`s something to prove, and you`re constantly striving to be a better player and individual,” he commented.
“Each year is about moving forward. Now, we`ll see how things unfold.”
