Zary, a 25-year-old center selected 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, had managed just one assist through his first two appearances of the new campaign. His struggles culminated when head coach Ryan Huska made him a healthy scratch for the team’s second game against the Vancouver Canucks, Daily Hive reported.
Contract Status and Financial Implications
Under the NHL’s waiver rules, all 31 other clubs now have a 24-hour window to place a claim on Zary. Any team choosing to pick up the forward would assume full responsibility for his contract. Zary is currently in the second year of a three-year deal worth $11.33 million, carrying an annual average value and cap hit of $3.775 million through the end of the 2027-28 season, according to Heavy reporting.
Because of that substantial cap hit, analysts note that a claim would most likely come from a rebuilding franchise looking to test whether the young forward can rediscover his developmental trajectory without risking immediate cap flexibility. If Zary clears waivers untouched by the rest of the league, the Flames can assign him to the American Hockey League’s Calgary Wranglers, allowing him to log heavy minutes and rebuild his offensive confidence away from the NHL spotlight.
Developmental Path and Injury Struggles
Zary’s trajectory in Calgary has stalled following a promising arrival. After making his debut in the 2023-24 season, the Saskatchewan native posted a solid rookie campaign with 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points across 63 games. However, a pair of serious knee injuries during the 2024-25 season disrupted his progress, limiting him to 54 appearances.
His regression continued through the 2025-26 campaign, where he played a career-high 74 games but recorded career lows with 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points, and a minus-9 rating. Trade speculation followed him through the summer as general manager Craig Conroy evaluated the roster, with reports indicating the club had previously explored the trade market for a second-round pick before deciding to retain and ultimately waive him.
Alongside Zary, the Flames also placed depth defenceman Brayden Pachal on waivers. Pachal, 27, is in the final year of a contract carrying a $1.187 million cap hit and has yet to feature in a game for Calgary during the current campaign.