Flames’ Connor Zary Avoids Surgery, Out Indefinitely

The Calgary Flames have announced that forward Connor Zary has avoided surgery on his leg and is out indefinitely. Zary can now immediately begin rehab; however, there is no timeline for his return.

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Connor Zary Fortunate to Avoid Surgery

Fortunately for Zary, he avoided significant knee damage after Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson hit him. The hit was questionable as it was low and essentially knee-on-knee, leaving Zary in pain on the ice.

The Flames initially feared that he had suffered ACL or MCL damage to his left knee. After waiting a few days to allow the swelling to go down, they determined it wasn’t as bad as it seemed.

Helleson was assessed a five-minute major on the play; however, he didn’t receive any suspension for the hit, which was highly criticized by fans all around the NHL.

Sadly, the hit came on Jan. 7, 2025, during the Flames’ Mom’s Trip. Zary’s mom was there and witnessed her son go down in pain and stay down for several minutes. That had to be tough to watch.

Zary, 23, has appeared in 40 games this season and has recorded 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points. He was drafted in the first round, with the 24th pick, by Calgary in the 2020 NHL Draft. In 103 NHL games, he has scored 24 goals and 32 assists for 56 points.

Thankfully, he can return to the lineup after rehab for the injury. As mentioned before, the Flames didn’t specify a timeline. However, the assumption is that it won’t be more than six to eight weeks before he returns to the lineup.

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