Calgary Flames Roster Moves & Early Season Concerns: Zary, Pachal, Wolf, and Suniev

In this edition of Calgary Flames insider updates, both Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal will remain with the organization after clearing the waiver wire. Meanwhile, internal concern grows over goaltender Dustin Wolf’s rough start to the season, and a potential roster call-up for a promising young forward could be imminent.

Zary and Pachal Clear Waiver Wire

The Flames made waves on Monday by placing forward Connor Zary on waivers. Despite recent struggles, Zary has been a key figure within the organization in recent years, and there had been hope both from within the front office and the fan base that he could rediscover his form. Ultimately, those hopes did not materialize, but he will remain with the franchise.

Following a highly promising rookie campaign, Zary’s production took a significant step backward last season. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with only 12 goals and 25 points, a sharp decline from the 50-point pace he established during his debut.

Calgary also placed defenseman Brayden Pachal on waivers Monday. Similar to Zary, Pachal went unclaimed by other NHL franchises. As a result, both players are headed to the American Hockey League to join the Calgary Wranglers. It remains to be seen if either player will earn a call-up to the NHL club before the season concludes.

Flames Front Office Concerned Over Dustin Wolf’s Early Slump

The 2026-27 season has been challenging for the Calgary Flames roster, but goaltender Dustin Wolf has faced particular difficulties in the early going. In two starts out of the team’s first three games, the 25-year-old has conceded 12 goals on 59 total shots, posting an unsustainable 6.00 goals-against average and a .797 save percentage.

While the Flames were expected to face struggles as a team this season, there was an expectation that Wolf would rebound after a regression in 2025-26. Although it is early in the schedule, his current performance has not met expectations, raising concerns within the organization’s leadership.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted on the ’32 Thoughts’ podcast that Wolf’s ongoing struggles are particularly frustrating given the team’s expectation of a bounce-back. ‘Of all the things that have happened to them, the most disappointing one would be how Wolf has been lit up,’ Friedman stated.

Wolf entered the NHL with high expectations and delivered, appearing in 53 games and finishing as the runner-up for the Calder Trophy. While defensive play in front of him has contributed to his recent difficulties, opposing teams may also have developed more sophisticated scouting reports and tactical plans to exploit his weaknesses.

Aydar Suniev Emerges as Top Candidate for Roster Spot

With Zary clearing waivers and being assigned to the Wranglers, Calgary has an open roster spot to fill on the wing. While the team has not officially announced their decision, the overwhelming majority of the fan base is advocating for a call-up of prospect Aydar Suniev.

The 21-year-old Suniev turned heads during training camp but ultimately fell just short of securing a spot on the opening-night roster. He has played in two games for the Wranglers in 2026-27 so far, recording one assist. During his rookie campaign in 2025-26, Suniev recorded 16 goals and 24 points over 57 AHL games.

Calgary Flames Look to Reconcile Early Struggles During Bye Week

The Flames are currently benefiting from a three-day break, arriving at an opportune time for a team that has struggled out of the gate. After starting the season with an 0-3-0 record, the team desperately needs practice time to address early-season issues. However, their upcoming schedule offers no mercy, as they are slated to face the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday and the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

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