Ducks’ Drew Helleson given 5-minute major for kneeing Flames’ Connor Zary

Credit: Sep 23, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Connor Zary (47) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson was assessed a five minute major for kneeing Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary during Tuesday night’s matchup.

The incident occurred in the second period while the Flames were up 1-0.

Zary was in significant pain and needed assistance off the ice from Flames medical staff. The Saskatoon native did not return to the game.

Drew Helleson has been given a 5-minute major for kneeing Connor Zary. pic.twitter.com/ZTUdNiCBoN

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 8, 2025

The 23-year-old has 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 39 games coming into Tuesdays bout vs the Ducks.

Zary is currently on pace to put up career highs across the board. During the 2023-24 campaign, Zary notched 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points in 63 games.

“It’s now just continuing to build on the rest of his game and that’s going to make him a guy who is on the ice when we’re protecting a one-goal lead late in the game,” Flames head coach Ryan Huska said earlier this week. “That’s ultimately what you want for a player like Connor, is to be a guy who is used in every key situation.”

Zary was the 24th-overall pick for the Flames in the 2020 NHL Draft, and had spent three seasons between the WHL and AHL after that before finally making his NHL debut this season.

Helleson has racked up two goals and five points in 17 games this season.

Given the kneeing major, it is likely Helleson will hear from the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Department of Player Safety.