Flames seek second-round pick for Zary in 2026 draft push

The Calgary Flames are attempting to trade 24-year-old forward Connor Zary in exchange for a second-round pick while he carries a $3.775 million cap hit with one year remaining.

Draft capital accumulation plan

Darren Dreger reported the Flames are explicitly asking for a second-round selection for Zary, whose contract expires after the 2026-27 season. The 24-year-old posted 24 goals in 2024-25, establishing a baseline production level that supports the asking price. Calgary finished the 2025-26 season with only one second-round pick in its possession entering June. Acquiring another second-rounder would raise the total to four since the 2024 draft.

The move contrasts with the quiet market surrounding Blake Coleman, who holds a $4.9 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list that limits immediate options. Coleman’s age of 34 creates a shorter return window than Zary’s, explaining why teams prioritize younger assets. The Flames therefore focus resources on Zary to maximize draft capital rather than veteran salary relief.

Pierre LeBrun noted that Coleman’s market remains inactive partly because interested clubs lack cap space or are occupied with other negotiations. This dynamic leaves Zary as the more actionable piece. A second-round pick acquired now can be used in the 2026 draft or packaged for a future asset before the July deadline.

The Flames’ interest in moving up from the No. 6 overall pick further illustrates the strategy. Additional draft capital from a Zary trade would provide ammunition to climb the board or secure multiple selections in the same round.

Contract and timeline mechanics

Zary’s $3.775 million cap hit for 2026-27 represents a bridge-year deal signed after his entry-level contract. The one-year remaining term forces a decision point before unrestricted free agency in 2027. Trading him now converts that controlled year into immediate draft equity rather than risking a potential offer-sheet or arbitration.

Calgary’s cap situation after the 2025-26 season shows limited flexibility for extensions on young forwards. Moving Zary frees both the cap slot and the roster spot for incoming draft picks or prospects already in the system. The $3.775 million figure is lower than Coleman’s $4.9 million, making Zary the preferred trade chip under current constraints.

No direct quote appears in reporting; instead, the asking price of one second-round pick is consistently attributed to league sources tracking the Flames’ outreach. The timeline aligns with the June 26, 2026, reporting window, leaving roughly one month before the draft.

Rebuild timeline implications

A second-round pick obtained in 2026 would likely convey to the 2027 or 2028 draft class, aligning with the window when several Flames prospects reach NHL readiness. The organization has collected three second-round selections across the previous two drafts, creating a pipeline depth that supports this continuation.

Teams holding later first-round picks may view Zary as a cost-controlled scorer who can accelerate their own contention plans, increasing the likelihood of a match. The Flames’ willingness to move a 24-year-old with proven production signals acceptance of a multi-year rebuild rather than a short-term push.

The contrast between Zary’s youth and Coleman’s age highlights two distinct asset classes within the same organization. Prioritizing the younger player preserves the option to extend or flip future assets while the older player’s market stays stalled.

Unless the Flames secure the requested second-round pick before the draft, they risk entering July with only their original selection and reduced leverage on Zary’s expiring deal.