In this week’s edition of Calgary Flames News & Rumors, Connor Zary is still looking for a contract extension. Meanwhile, Dan Vladar’s future with the Flames continues to remain unclear as the organization reportedly has their eyes on another goaltender. In other news, Rasmus Andersson revealed that he played through an injury at the World Championships. Last but not least, Mikael Backlund received Selke Trophy votes for the eighth time in his career.
Zary Extension Remains a Mystery
The Flames have a few restricted free agents (RFAs) to re-sign this offseason, though the most talked-about and perhaps the most confusing of the bunch is Connor Zary. The 23-year-old is a building block for the organization but was limited to just 54 games in 2024-25 due to two separate knee injuries.
The injury concern, along with the fact that Zary has yet to break out offensively after two seasons in the NHL, has some believing he should be signed to a bridge deal. That said, others believe that his offensive game could see a big improvement in 2025-26, making a long-term deal similar to what Matt Coronato signed one month ago a more beneficial option.
Vladar’s Future Remains Murky
Dan Vladar is the Flames’ biggest unrestricted free agent (UFAs) this summer. The 27-year-old has served as the organization’s backup goalie for the past four seasons and saw a slightly bigger role in 2024-25, playing behind his rookie partner Dustin Wolf.
Related: Flames and Sabres are Perfect Trading Partners for Rasmus Andersson
Though Vladar’s 2.80 goals-against average (GAA) and .898 save percentage (SV%) in 30 appearances are far from outstanding, he gave his team solid goaltending down the stretch. He would be a cheap option to bring back and continue working behind Wolf, though the Flames might be looking elsewhere.
Based on a recent report, the Flames are a top contender to sign Russian goaltender Ivan Prosvetov. The 26-year-old spent the 2024-25 season with CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League, where he put up a 2.32 GAA and a .920 SV% in 38 games. He’s logged 24 career games in the NHL, split between the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, and would likely only return to North American soil with a guaranteed role.
Andersson Played Through Injury at Worlds
Rasmus Andersson confessed to reporters during his final media availability that he suffered a…
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