Some good news for Connor Zary and Flames fans in Calgary.
The centre is expected to start skating again next week according to head coach Ryan Huska, albeit in a "very limited capacity" and without a clear timeline for his return.
Zary has missed nine consecutive games due to a knee injury suffered on Jan. 7 in a 3-2 overtime win against Anaheim. He went knee-on-knee with Ducks defenceman Drew Helleson and left immediately after just 6:37 of ice time.
Meanwhile, Helleson received a five-minute major and game misconduct for his part in the collision.
The 23-year-old Zary was having yet another productive season before the injury, logging 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) through 40 games. Despite his missed time, Zary still ranks fifth on the Flames roster for goals and face-off wins and is sixth in assists and total points.
Calgary has stayed afloat without the impactful youngster, going 5-4 without him. They're now 24-18-7 and fifth in the Pacific Division with 55 points.
The Flames return to action on Thursday at home against the Ducks. It'll be the first time the Pacific rivals have faced since Zary's injury.
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