2023-24 Rookie Watch: Connor Zary
One of this season's most polished freshmen
Through 25 games, the Calgary Flames’ season has been split between two poles: before and after Connor Zary’s debut. Following a 2-6-1 start, they’ve gone 8-6-2 and climbed back into the wild-card picture with their 2020 first-rounder (24th overall) in the lineup.
The rookie forward didn’t single-handedly right the ship, but there’s no denying the lift he offered Ryan Huska’s troops. Calgary’s uptick in competitiveness since Nov. 1 has been dramatic.
Here’s how Zary reignited the Flames.
Forechecking
Although Zary is indeed a rookie, he isn’t some fresh-faced teenager plucked straight out of junior. The 22-year-old’s AHL seasoning is evident from the moment you throw on his tape.
That’s never more apparent than when he’s gunning for the puck. His maturity is essential to his forechecking because his physical tools are…modest at best. He stands 6’0”, 178 pounds and ranks nowhere near the fastest skater in Calgary’s forward corps. In fact, his mobility is a weakness:
Zary thus depends almost exclusively on his smarts to carry the mail.
Gauging his range is the first step in his FC process. If he’s breathing down his opponent’s neck, he’ll try to drive through their body and lower his hips in order to gain leverage along the wall. If he has to bridge a larger gap, he’ll call on his stick work, wrapping around his counterpart’s frame to either halt the puck’s progress or knock it beyond their grasp.
No bone-rattling physicality or tireless work rate here. He (CGY 47) just recognizes the wisest course of action in any given scenario:
As you can see, Zary doesn’t necessarily win possession on his own. He sets the table for Calgary by sensing where his support is, choosing his angle accordingly and funneling defenders into the lion’s den.
His instincts and lane integrity ensure that the Flames rarely double up on the same outlet. This generates swarming, near-constant pressure in the OZ.
Of course, stalling the opposition doesn’t always cut it. He occasionally has to dig his heels in too. His bead on the puck shines in such situations, as he consistently susses out the path to a first touch. Even if he can’t depend on his build, his cleverness enables him to emerge on top:
In this clip, Sens blueliner Jakob Chychrun (OTT 6) bats down a stray pass and attempts to head up the ice. Zary immediately goes shoulder to shoulder, but since his opponent is a 6’2”, 205-pounder, the rookie realizes that a test of wills won’t end in his favor. Instead, he plays low and wide, buying himself enough runway to step on the puck between Chychrun’s legs and kick it to his backhand.
With two additional Sens players (OTT 49 and 15) drawn to the skirmish, Zary grants Yegor Sharangovich (CGY 17) a decent opportunity out of the blue.
That caginess, combined with his steadfast positioning, results in a forechecker who regularly muddies the water. Breakouts disintegrate and his teammates can pounce on plenty of loose pucks.
At 5-on-5, his contributions translate to a firm handle on proceedings:
Oh, and more wins. Turns out it’s much easier to get the ball rolling when it’s in your hands the majority of the time.
Close-Range Offense
Efficiency is the name of Zary’s offensive game. He seems acutely aware of his limitations in both size and speed. Unlike fellow Flames prospect Jakob Pelletier, who compensates via a motor that runs wild, Zary’s spacing drives his production (11 points in 15 contests).
His focus lies on arriving at the right place at the right time.
The former usually means the slot—and it tends to exact a toll. Rather than absorbing a million cross-checks, he picks his battles, creeping off to the side until he sniffs a prize that’s worth fighting for:
Zary boasts a knack for locating quiet areas in the trenches. His sluggish pace may actually help him here, as he doesn’t draw attention to himself. When he’s marked, he waits as long as possible to reveal his intentions, spinning off defenders or freeing his stick just as a shot/pass reaches the point of attack. The kid simply understands how to make himself available.
Better yet—and this should please Don Cherry’s acolytes—he stops at the net. The mere act of staying above the goal line holds the door open for second and third chances.
You’ll rarely spot him idling behind the cage.
It’s those old-school Coach’s Corner details that can convert minor advantages into major victories. Forget about blazing speed or brute strength. Zary is thriving due to his savvy. Claiming the inside track—even for a second—is enabling him to affect the game night in and night out:
Another scramble drill. Zary notices that Will Borgen (SEA 3) is peeling off to challenge Nazem Kadri (CGY 91), who’s already being defended by Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (SEA 41). Assuming the puck squeezes out of the pile, neither Kraken player is prepared to contain him.
Therefore, he slams on the brakes to evade traffic, curls to the middle and uncovers a glorious look from prime real estate.
Here’s another example of Zary’s close-quarters IQ:
While he’s tussling with Alex Goligoski (MIN 33) near the crease, he keeps his stick airborne to prevent the defender from tying it up. As the point shot comes into view, he swivels his hips and plants his blade to guarantee dibs on the puck.
He dictates the terms of the engagement.
None of this is particularly sexy, but Zary has introduced wrinkles that have made Calgary’s offense more difficult to stop. Thanks to his poise and cunning movement, he ranks second on the team in high-danger chances and is leading his squad in 5-on-5 production. As a rookie:
Suffice to say he’s faring very well at even strength. The power play is a different story, but that’s largely down to coaching. He’s been plopped out wide, which removes him from the kitchen and casts him as an orchestrator from distance.
Let him cook, and the Flames’ 27th-ranked PP will start eating.
It bears repeating that Zary didn’t engineer Calgary’s turnaround by his lonesome. That’s the whole point. His stellar forechecking and OZ positioning have coaxed the Flames into the fire, and they’re now attacking opponents as a united front.
When you all push in the same direction, you’re much likelier to break through.
Brilliant once again. He wasn't even on my radar at all. Calgary as a team sort of snuck into the potted plant on me. Great spotlight. I'll be watching now.