Connor Zary is drawing trade interest from the Vancouver Canucks, raising questions about his future under Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska.
A new report from NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal suggests Vancouver's interest in the young Flames forward goes back much further than this week's developments.
Speaking on the Donnie and Dhali podcast, Dhaliwal revealed that the Canucks have been interested in Zary since the summer.
The most interesting detail involves Abbotsford Canucks general manager Richard Seeley, who reportedly traveled to Calgary over the weekend to watch Zary play in the AHL.
Canucks make scouting trip to see Connor Zary in the AHL
That scouting trip adds another layer to the speculation. Vancouver isn't simply being connected to a familiar name. Someone within the organization reportedly made the trip to evaluate him firsthand.
There is still no confirmation that formal trade negotiations have started between the Canadian rivals. But the reported interest and scouting visit give this situation plenty of momentum.
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Zary, selected 24th overall by Calgary in 2020, has already demonstrated that he can contribute offensively at the NHL level.
The 25-year-old has collected 87 points across 193 NHL games, making him an intriguing target for a Canucks organization looking at its options up front.
His contract carries a $3,775,000 annual cap hit through the 2027-28 season. That provides Vancouver with potential cost certainty beyond the current campaign.
For Calgary general manager Craig Conroy, the bigger question would be whether moving Zary makes sense given his age, contract situation and remaining upside.
The Flames wouldn't have to rush into anything. Zary remains under contract, giving Calgary leverage if Vancouver decides to turn its interest into a legitimate offer.
On the Canucks' side, head coach Manny Malhotra could benefit from another versatile forward capable of competing for a meaningful role in the lineup.
The reported scouting trip also raises questions about what Calgary would demand in return. Vancouver would likely have to present an attractive package to convince the Flames to part with a young forward.
Nothing is finalized, and a trade is far from guaranteed. But with Vancouver's reported interest dating back months, Connor Zary is now a name worth watching closely as the situation develops.
Should the Vancouver Canucks push to acquire Connor Zary from the Calgary Flames?
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