Dec 31, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Connor Zary (47) skates with the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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Calgary Flames Set to Activate Connor Zary and Kevin Bahl Ahead of Next Game

Calgary gets a boost as Zary and Bahl return from injury, strengthening the lineup.

The Calgary Flames are about to get some much-needed reinforcements as they continue their push for a playoff spot. According to Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960, the team is expected to activate forward Connor Zary and defenseman Kevin Bahl from injured reserve ahead of Sunday night’s game. Their return couldn’t come at a better time, with the Flames sitting just three points behind a Western Conference Wild Card spot.

Bahl has been a key piece of Calgary’s defense this season, making an impact since arriving in the trade that sent Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils. The 24-year-old has stepped into a top-four role, logging over 21 minutes per game—nearly four minutes more than his average last season. While he isn’t known for his offense, his solid defensive play has been a big boost for the Flames. With 14 points, 79 blocked shots, and 67 hits in 47 games, he has proven to be a reliable presence on the blue line. Bahl has spent most of the season paired with Rasmus Andersson, and his return will likely push Ilya Solovyov out of the lineup.

"I’m really excited to get that going, get with the guys, and move in that direction."

Connor Zary speaks on getting back in the lineup tonight against San Jose. pic.twitter.com/owUbIWjsni
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 23, 2025

For Zary, the road back into the lineup is a bit more complicated. The Flames made several moves while he was sidelined, acquiring Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost while trading away Andrei Kuzmenko. Those changes have reshaped Calgary’s forward group, and Zary will have to carve out his role once again. The 22-year-old forward was having a solid season before his knee injury, scoring 10 goals and 22 points in 40 games. He could slot into a top-six role alongside Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman, but he’ll need to prove he can keep up his offensive production to hold onto that spot.

With Bahl and Zary back in the mix, the Flames will finally have a chance to see their lineup at full strength following their recent trades. Both players were among Calgary’s biggest bright spots before their injuries, and their return will be closely watched as the team evaluates its roster ahead of the Trade Deadline. If they can make an impact right away, they could be the spark Calgary needs to stay in the playoff race.

Image Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!