[News] Flames trade down (twice) to the 24th OA pick and select C Connor Zary

[David Struch]

the Kamloops Blazers center has a strong chance of being the first WHL player to get his name called in the 2020 draft, in large part because he is one of the most complete centers in the class.

https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/...couting-report

[TheScorpion]

Idk about you guys, but this Zary kid doesn't exactly look like a spring chicken.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1313667503529193474

[Mass_nerder]

Originally Posted by David Struch

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/prospec...ounded-centre/

Let's hope he's more like Iggy and Doan, and less like Upshall.

[Toonage]

Button looks thrilled lol

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Button looks thrilled lol

He doesn't have time to pose for photos. He's got work to do.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by SebC

They said on the broadcast that it's his weakness.

They said he needs to work on lengthening his stride.

[sureLoss]

Brendan Parker @BParkerTV
Ironically Zary said he’s never watched an NHL game in person.

Has been to the Saddedome numerous times for the Macs Midget (Playing with Saskatoon Blazers) and obviously while playing with Kamloops, but never to watch.
Now a member of an NHL club. Wild.

[Robbob]

Any word on where Zary got the Flames jersey? Did the Flames drop it off?

[AC]

NHL scout on Zary: "He's full of skill, hockey sense and competitiveness. You can use him in any situation and he won't disappoint you. The skating will need to come, but it will get there with strength".

Pronman: "I'm a huge fan of Zary. He got to No.24 because of concerns on his iffy skating stride, but I see a player with tremendous skill. He makes so many plays, and he competes very hard. I thought his creativity stood out consistently, and he projects as a type of player coaches will love. Even with teh skating issues, I think he can be a top-six centre".

Sounds like what was being said about Dawson Mercer, but Mercer seemed projected as a bottom 6 utility player.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Now a member of an NHL club. Wild.

Actually he's with the Flames!

[Nelson]

I’ll just post a part of Pronman’s analysis.

24. Calgary Flames: Connor Zary, C, Kamloops-WHL

Sept. 25, 2001 | six-foot | 178 pounds

Zary was one of the top players in the WHL in his third season in the league and the major reason why Kamloops led the WHL in scoring. Zary is a very entertaining player, as he’s one of the most skilled players in the draft. His touches with the puck are very quick, he’s extremely creative and he can beat defenders clean consistently. He had numerous moments this past season where he pulled off a highlight real-caliber play...

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Robbob

Any word on where Zary got the Flames jersey? Did the Flames drop it off?

I assume the Flames sent it to him. Still had the tags.

[David Struch]

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - Sept. 21st: "Zary plays that middle-lane, tenacious, high-tempo game that every team covets in a centre. His feet are always moving, he pushes the pace, he’s engaged on the forecheck and he has enough skill to create as a playmaker and a passer."

Justin Haddad - The Hockey Writers - May 11th: "He was outstanding in the WHL this past season with 38 goals, 48 assists, and 86 points. Zary compares to Bo Horvat stylistically as he plays a 200-foot game, plays on special teams, and can be a formidable presence in front of the net."

Cam Robinson - Dobber Prospects - Apr. 1st: "A puck-possession pivot who clicked well above a point-per-game this season. Great speed, deft puck skills, and equally dangerous with the shot and pass. An elder statesman."

http://www.mynhldraft.com/2020-nhl-d...es/Connor-Zary

[sureLoss]

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
#Flames first round pick Connor Zary tell us he likes to model his game after Vancouver Canucks forward Bo Horvat.

Says Calgary was the team he really wanted to go to, so was nervous when they traded down twice.

[Crown Royal]

Originally Posted by troutman

The Greatest Connor!

Mackey would like to have a word with you.

[djsFlames]

In the end, hockey sense and compete level tend to win out over a lot of other qualities. At least I found that to be the case watching those finals.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

I assume the Flames sent it to him. Still had the tags.

The NHL sent 40 possible round 1 guys all 31 teams hats and jerseys.

[Crown Royal]

I said it in the draft thread, the problems with Zary's game are the same stuff I heard about Tkachuk. Being an elite skater is great, but when you have the drive, skill, hands and head, they can overcome the feet.

[David Struch]

Projection and Comparison

Zary is the type of player who will be loved by his coaches, no matter where he is playing. His solid all-around game means that he can be used in any situation, from the power-play to the penalty kill. If Zary reaches his potential he can be a top-six centre at the NHL level. He will likely find himself back in the WHL next year, continuing to work on his skating and mature physically. He could also be part of Team Canada at the World Juniors. Following that, as a late birthdate, he will be eligible for the AHL in 2021-22. He will likely need those two years before he is NHL ready. Zary’s game is reminiscent of Bo Horvat. This is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skills and ability.

https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/...outing-report/

[DiracSpike]

Like the pick, like the trading down.

Broadly, I like that the flames seem to be targeting lately Canadian guys with high compete levels. Obviously there’s a lot that go into a player beyond just that but compete is something you can’t teach that a lot of teams lack. And drafting Canadian kids increases our chances in holding on to them long term as they’re more likely to re-sign here than say, Russians or east coast Americans.