I wouldn't hate that, but there's an argument for a bridge. Zary is UFA eligible in 2029 and Coronato in 2030. You could still bridge both of them without taking them straight to UFA. I love Zary, but he's only played 80 NHL games. Not sure that's earned him the big contract yet. Same with Coronato, but even moreso.
Fair points, but in a market like Calgary, and based on recent experience, I'm supportive of management making a call early on their young guys. If they believe Zary will continue to grow and turn into a longterm top 6 legit threat, lock him now. Do what the Sens did with their young guys. Some won't work out, but some will. That's the reality of being an NHL team in Calgary (or Ottawa).
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Zary is probably the only Flame with a high enough hockey IQ to be able to anticipate and cleanly accept Huberdeau's nonconventional passes. It might actually work. But the Flames need to give them at least 10 games together to try to build some chemistry.
If it works and Zary gets more NHL experience at centre, I'd like to see Coronato on the RW of that line. It would be nice to have a pure goal scorer for Huby and Zary to pass to.
Sharangovich right now....
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After 7 points in his first 8 games, Zary has just 1 in past 9. Definitely need to change something up.
The good thing is he is still playing well. He had a couple poor games in that span but, for the most part, he is driving play more than anyone else. Last game, he could have had 2-3 points.
Fair points, but in a market like Calgary, and based on recent experience, I'm supportive of management making a call early on their young guys. If they believe Zary will continue to grow and turn into a longterm top 6 legit threat, lock him now. Do what the Sens did with their young guys. Some won't work out, but some will. That's the reality of being an NHL team in Calgary (or Ottawa).
The difference between Zary and all of the guys Ottawa signed long term off of their ELC's is all them - Tkachuk, Stuetzle, Norris and Batherson had time in the NHL in each of their 3 first seasons. At this point, I would sign Zary to a ~$5MM long term (like Batherson), but wouldn't be so sure about an ~$8MM per year like the other three. Just my opinion. I wouldn't be sad if they did give him a 8 year deal now though. Could be a steal if he starts finishing his chances.
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Love the Zary to C move. I hope he gets a really long look here. I think his vision and playmaking can really make him into an effective centre. Defensively and physically we will have to see, and I assume that he will be poor at draws, at least to start with. Hopefully he can make it work. I have thought of Zary as this team's future #2 C. If that's the case, then that would be a big step forward for the Flames.
Huberdeau is tied for the team lead among forwards in 5 on 5 and even strength scoring at 7. Who cares if he is tied with Kirkland? Kirkland also has a 19.57% on is SH% in those situations which is by far the highest on the team.
xGF is just one stat - one in which high skill players consistently outperform. That also doesn't take into account that Huberdeau is playing far more responsible hockey than Kadri is and as a result has a considerably better SCF% and HDCF% rates than Kadri. Both those two have the same amount of offensive zone starts at 45.
Additionally Huberdeau has played almost exclusively with two (and now three) centers who have never played the position full time. Let's not pretend like he has had some cushy offensive role on the team.
Yeah, Huberdeau's centres have not been experienced at all (Zary will be another). But at least Zary is a puck carrier, relatively responsible defensively as a centre should be, and has a lot of offensive flair. Pospisil at C was a bust.
I think Zary needs to be locked up long term. He is proving he is continuing his good play from this year and already elevating it. 8x7 maybe?
Coronato is tough because he has been great this year, but last year he was just meh. I think Coronato better to wait and watch how he plays throughout the year now that he will be here permanently. If he continues to play well most of the year. I think you gotta consider a long term contract too. It is just sorta weird because he doesnt have a long track record now for like 8 x 6 for example
Zary 8x7
Coronato 8x6
Wolf 8x7.5
Doesn’t Zary have like 1 point in his last 8 games? And he gets $7 million?
