​The Montreal Canadiens could benefit from strengthening their forward group this off-season, and a case can be made that adding another skilled forward to their top nine would help balance the lineup. When examining their current roster, it’s reasonable to conclude that a versatile, high-potential winger or center could provide the extra offensive punch the team seeks. Among the many NHL forwards generating chatter in the rumor mill this off-season is Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary, a player the Canadiens would be well served to consider pursuing.
Zary is a former first-round pick who would likely thrive with a change of scenery. At 24 years old, he endured a challenging 2025-26 season with the Flames, recording 12 goals and 25 points over 74 games. However, his performance in previous seasons suggests he still has significant upside and could rebound with the right opportunity and environment. Given his track record, Montreal should weigh whether a fresh start could unlock his offensive potential and contribute meaningfully to the club’s depth.
During the 2024-25 season, Zary posted 13 goals and 27 points in 54 games, a solid number given his role and minutes. Prior to that, he logged 14 goals and 34 points in 63 games as a rookie in 2023-24, which demonstrates his ability to contribute at the NHL level when provided with the right circumstances. These numbers illustrate that Zary has the talent to produce offense and that his production has fluctuated with circumstances, ice time, and role. With such a history, he represents a realistic buy-low option who could deliver meaningful returns if he continues to develop.
The Flames fan-favorite’s age places him squarely in his mid-20s, meaning he is old enough to have learned the pro game and young enough to still incline toward continued improvement. For the Canadiens, acquiring Zary would align with a broader strategy of adding cost-controlled, high-upside talent who can grow within the organization as they mature and gain more NHL experience. If Montreal chose to pursue him, Zary could be viewed as a prime candidate to contribute soon and improve over the next few seasons as he optimizes his game.
If Montreal were to add Zary, he would likely fit nicely into the Canadiens’ middle six, a zone where the team seeks dependable two-way production and consistent offensive zone time. One of Zary’s notable attributes is his versatility; he can be trusted to play on the wing or down the middle, which provides the coaching staff with flexibility to optimize line combinations and matchups. His ability to contribute in multiple positions would allow head coach and management to experiment with various line blends and power-play concepts without sacrificing depth elsewhere.
Beyond the on-ice fit, Zary’s age and trajectory make him a compelling target for a team aiming to sustain long-term success. He is at a stage in his career where additional development could yield meaningful dividends, and Montreal’s development system could help maximize his ceiling. A smart acquisition strategy could involve signing him to a reasonable bridge or short-term deal to evaluate fit, followed by a longer commitment if he continues to show growth and consistent scoring. This approach minimizes risk while maximizing upside, which is particularly appealing for a franchise looking to add dynamic, cost-efficient talent.
In evaluating whether to pursue Zary, Montreal would also consider how his style complements their existing forward corps and whether his strengths align with the team’s tactical identity. If Zary can bring pace, reliable two-way play, and a sharpened scoring touch, he could become a valuable asset within the Canadiens’ forward group. Moreover, his willingness to adapt to different roles would help the team manage injuries, extensive schedules, and the need for line versatility throughout the season.
In summary, Connor Zary represents a plausible, lower-risk addition who could contribute to the Canadiens’ forward depth in the upcoming season. His combination of youth, potential for growth, and multi-position versatility makes him an attractive target for Montreal as they look to reinforce their top nine. If the Canadiens decide to explore him in the off-season, they could add a player who not only fills a current gap but also has room to develop into a reliable contributor for years to come.