Welcome back to another edition of NHL rumours. While we’re counting down the days until the start of training camps around the league, there are still several questions teams must answer before puck drop.
Today, we head back to Calgary, Alberta. One of the most promising Flames youngsters looks close to signing an extension, despite being at odds with management throughout the entire offseason. We also discuss the extension of one of the few long-term Flames in preparation for his retirement.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
Connor Zary Extension in the Works
Rumour: Both sides were at odds last week but appear to be closing in on a contract.
Analysis: The Flames seem keen on holding on to Connor Zary as he is likely the next up for them in terms of a top-six forward.
Talks between the Flames and Zary have dragged on for weeks (bordering months), but Elliotte Friedman stressed that the holdup isn’t about either side souring on the other. As he explained on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “I’ve just heard the two sides just have been apart; I don’t think it is a situation where the Flames don’t like the player or the player doesn’t like the Flames.”
For the entirety of the summer, Flame fans have been speculating whether management would seal the deal with one of their most promising prospects. Drafted 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by Calgary, Connor Zary had a cap hit of $863K following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2024-25 season.
While a natural centre, he has slotted in well on the top line with Huberdeau and Kadri at the wing. Currently a restricted free agent, Zary has yet to play an entire NHL season as injuries have plagued him throughout the duration of his contract. This may make the Flames skeptical of signing him long-term until they can see how he can perform when allowed to stay healthy and put together an entire 82-game schedule.
Some Other Similiarities in Calgary
The misalignment between Zary’s end and the Flames is likely term and money. With comparables who are also coming off short-term, entry-level contracts, like Morgan Frost signing a two-year contract for $4.3 million AAV and Matthew Coronato with a seven-year contract averaging $6.5 million per year, there’s a wide range in what Zary could qualify for and what would work best for the Flames’ rebuild plan.
It appears that Zary is an asset to the team, and earlier this week, it was rumoured that they may be closing in on a deal.
Still work to be done, they’re not yet at the finish line, but I’m told the #Flames are getting closer to a deal with RFA Connor Zary. Sounds like it may end up at 3 years.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 2, 2025
As Pagnotta says, three years may be the term for Zary’s contract. From the Flames’ perspective, this makes the most sense, as they likely would love to sign Zary long-term. A centre turned winger may not be ideal for the Flames’ bigger picture, with more than enough centres capable of quarterbacking a line. Zary may find his footing as a winger over the next three years of this proposed contract, but it does come at a risk, as the top spot on the wing with Huberdeau and Kadri may demand more of him.
Mikael Backlund is Here to Stay
Rumour: The Flames’ captain seems intent on retiring as a Flame despite the outlook of the team.
Analysis: Mikael Backlund has worn the Flaming C for his entire NHL career, and it looks like he’ll finish it that way.
While Calgary works to secure its next generation of talent, its longtime captain has made it clear he isn’t going anywhere. Friedman reported that Backlund, who has one year left on his deal, wants to retire as a Flame:
Elliotte Friedman: Re Mikael Backlund: He’s got a year left on his contract, he says he wants to continue to play; he wants to be a lifetime Calgary Flame; he’s not looking to go anywhere – 32 Thoughts Podcast (8/23)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 24, 2025
At 36, many veterans in his position would be looking to move on from the organizations that built them in search of a contender to chase the Stanley Cup. Instead, Backlund appears willing to see the Flames through this current rebuild and provide a stabilizing presence for younger players coming into the organization. His leadership and experience are invaluable, especially as the team transitions to a younger core.
There’s also a strong emotional element to his decision. Like Zary, Backlund was drafted 24th overall by the Flames, though 13 years prior in the 2007 Entry Draft. Since then, he’s played over 1100 games with the franchise. He has experienced multiple rebuilds, coaching changes, and organizational shifts. Yet, he’s remained a constant despite the state of the team. If he chooses to retire in Calgary, he would join a short list of players in modern NHL history to spend their entire career with one franchise.
For the Flames, keeping Backlund isn’t just about on-ice performance. It’s about culture. With so much roster turnover in recent years, having a captain who embodies consistency could be crucial in guiding the next era of Flames hockey.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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