'Opportunity To Prove Myself'

LAS VEGAS - It’s an impressive stat line for anyone, let alone a rookie.

Connor Zary has looked little like an NHL newcomer since being called up to the Flames on Oct. 31, notching 14 points (6G, 8A) in 19 games with the big club.

That’s an average of .73 points per game.

To put that into context, another Connor fella down in Chicago - who had just a wee bit of hype around him coming into this campaign after being drafted first overall - has 24 points (12G, 12A) in 28 outings, good for .85 point-per-game clip.

To Flames fans, their Connor, too, has often provided a ‘wow' factor in games, making the types of plays that brings fans out of their seats.

His dynamic rushes and deft dangles can be breathtaking.

Monday night in Denver, he had another terrific tally of another sort in the first game of this three-game roadie, which finishes off Thursday night against the Wild in Minny. 

“I just kind of saw Weegs coming down from the point and just got myself to the net and it deflected a bit and then I was just kind of smacking it around and it bounced up in the air and I was able to make a quick play on it and bat it into the net,” explained Zary.

“It was a pretty cool one and it’s always nice to help contribute on the scoreboard.”

Zary played with Elias Lindholm as his centre in that outing, skating with him again Tuesday night in Vegas. 

So far he’s spent the majority of his time with the big club with Nazem Kadri in the middle.

The fact he’s been able to play with the two highly-skilled and savvy veterans has certainly helped him become an impact player in short order.

“It’s awesome,” he explained. “(Lindhom’s) obviously an unbelievable player and very smart and one the best two-way centres in the league. "So, I think when you play with a guy like that, it makes the game easy and I’m fortunate enough to play with him and Kads most of the time and it’s been pretty amazing playing with those guys up the middle.”

All that has helped make the transition from the AHL to the NHL appear seamless for Zary.

But while he’s continued to settle in, he hasn’t lost sight of the prize – maintaining his position as an everyday NHLer. 

“Ya, I definitely think I’ve got a little more comfortable over time, over the last few weeks just being here and playing my game,” said Zary. “But I think it’s a one-day-at-a-time league and nothing is given.

“So, I just try to have that mentality to come in every game and use it as a new chance, a new opportunity to prove myself and make sure I’m doing the right things to stay here.”

In order to do that, he knows he still has lots to improve on, as is the case for any player his age in a similar situation. 

Head coach Ryan Huska was asked what Zary needs to focus on at this juncture. 

“Detail,” answered Huska. “I think that’s the one thing. To be an NHL player on a consistent basis, is there has to be pace to what you do, consistently, and you have to have a real good handle on the detail-structure of the game to allow you to be on the ice in critical moments.

“Often times for younger players, those are the things that they always have to work on and make sure they are committed to improving in.”

When it comes to the details, the coaching staff obviously take point in that regard but Zary said Kadri continues to play a big part in his overall development.

“Naz has been there quite a bit for me,” he explained. “Just helping with the little things. I’ve talked about it before, just quick little tidbits on the ice during practice or during the game, either plays I made or plays I didn’t make, things he saw that might help me that maybe I didn’t see. So, I think he’s really been there to kind of help me along and try and help me be a better player.”

Because no detail is too small when you’re playing among the best players in the world.

“It’s about bearing down on every single little thing,” said Zary, “cause they all matter. They can all have an impact – a big impact – in a game.”

As for the pace, Zary has been working on that since turning pro. He made it a priority to become a better skater, focusing on improving that area of his game – especially in the offseason - working with Flames skating coach Danielle Fujita, along with others.

And the results, he said, have been apparent. 

“Ya, for sure,” said Zary. “Especially over the last couple of years. I think you could see, if you pulled up video, there’s been a significant change in my skating ability and my ability to play at a higher pace. That’s something unique at this level. 

“All the best players, they’re high-paced, fast players and they’re making the game look easy. I think if that’s something I can kind of gain a couple percent on, get better every single day, especially something in the summer I can remain focused on, it’s something that’s going to help me.”