Why Flames Are Parting Ways With Brayden Pachal

The Calgary Flames have placed defenseman Brayden Pachal and forward Connor Zary on waivers following an 0-3 start to the season. The team was outscored 16-3 over three consecutive blowout losses to the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks. Both players can be claimed by rival NHL clubs within a 24-hour window or risk reassignment to the AHL.

Pachal, a 27-year-old blueliner, was a healthy scratch for all three games prior to being waived. Billy Heyen of Heavy reports that Calgary decided against inserting Pachal into the lineup despite their early defensive struggles, leaving his NHL future uncertain after previously logging 39 games with the Flames last season.