Connor Zary is still looking for a contract amid this week’s Calgary Flames news and rumors. Meanwhile, Dan Vladar’s future in the flames remains unclear, as the group reportedly focuses on another goalkeeper. In other news, Rasmus Andersson revealed that he was injured in the World Championships. Last but not least, Mikael Backlund won the Selke Trophy vote for the eighth time in his career.
Zary extension remains a mystery
The Flames have some restricted free agents (RFAS) that can be re-signed during the offseason, although the most vulnerable to attention, and perhaps the most confusing thing is Connor Zary. The 23-year-old is the foundation of the organization, but has only 54 games in 2024-25 due to two separate knee injuries.
The injury issue, and the fact that Zari hasn’t had offensiveness after two seasons in the NHL, some think he should sign a bridge deal. That said, others think his offensive game could make a lot of progress in 2025-26, which is a more beneficial option with a long-term deal signed by Matt Coronato a month ago.
Vladar’s future remains blurred
Dan Vladar is the Flames’ biggest unrestricted free agent (UFAS) this summer. The 27-year-old has been the organization’s reserve goalkeeper for the past four seasons and has played a bigger role in the 2024-25 season, behind his rookie partner Dustin Wolf.
Related: Flames and Saber are the perfect trading partner for Rasmus Andersson
Although Vladar’s 2.80 goal average (GAA) and .898 savings percentage (SV%) were far from outstanding in 30 games, he gave his team a solid goalkeeper. Although the flame may be looking elsewhere, he will be a cheap option to bring back and continue working behind the wolf.
According to a recent report, the Flames are the biggest contender for signing Russian goalkeeper Ivan Prosvetov. The 26-year-old spent the 2024-25 season with CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League, where he scored 2.32 GAA and 0.920 SV percent in 38 games. He has registered 24 professional games in the NHL, separated between the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado avalanches and is likely to be able to return to North American soil and secure his role.
Anderson is injured in the world
Rasmus Andersson, in the final media, admitted to reporters that he suffered a ruptured fibula before the end of the season. Many expected him to need some time to rest and recover, but he announced that he would represent Sweden in the World Championships the same day.
Sweden lost 6-2 to the United States in the semifinals, where it was obvious that Anderson was not at his best. He still has no 100% responsibility after revealing that he suffered a leg injury, and his team’s losses are attributed to his losses. But the good news is that he hopes to be completely healthy by next season.
Backlund wins Selke vote
Captain Flame Mikael Backlund is no stranger to the Selke Trophy vote. The 36-year-old saw his name appear in the polls for nine consecutive seasons and eighth time in the fourth year. He won the 35th vote in this year’s vote with three points.
Related: Flame News and Rumors: Byram, Anderson, Gaudreau, etc.
Backlund has already finished the top 10 in Selke’s voting in his 1,066 games career, proving the value of being a defensive player in the Flames. Even though he is no longer his champion player, finishing the game on Selke’s vote proves that he still has the game left.
Looking forward to the flame
Although the flames will remain quiet as the Stanley Cup final begins on Wednesday, things will happen in the coming weeks as free agents are distanced. Apart from the decisions on several pending UFAs, General Manager (GM) Craig Conroy will do his best to find top-tier centers for his team as trade rumors continue to spin.
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