NHL News: Flames' Elite Prospect Zayne Parekh Could Be Joining Team
Zayne Parekh’s junior season is officially over, and the Calgary Flames’ top prospect could be arriving in the NHL sooner than expected. With his Saginaw Spirit eliminated from the OHL playoffs, the 19-year-old defenseman is now eligible to join the Flames for the final stretch of their playoff push. A ninth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Parekh finished his OHL season with 33 goals and 74 assists in 61 games, becoming the first defenseman since Bobby Orr to post consecutive 30-goal seasons. “To have my name in the same sentence as him, it’s a pretty cool feeling,” Parekh said of the comparison to the Hall of Famer. “Obviously, I’m nowhere close to him. I might not ever be. But it’s pretty special.”Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the #Flames have a plan to bring Zayne Parekh to Calgary if Saginaw is eliminated in the playoffs.The Spirit are currently down 3-1 in their series against Erie. But Saginaw is winning 3-2 tonight heading into the 3rd period. pic.twitter.com/dPJ9gB77AV— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) April 6, 2025
The Flames have had a plan in place for this moment. As Elliotte Friedman reported, “The Flames are just waiting here patiently. I do believe there is a plan to bring him to Calgary.” With the team still battling for a playoff spot and already leaning on young players like Matt Coronato and Connor Zary, Parekh could be used in a sheltered role to provide an offensive spark from the blue line. His skating, vision, and offensive instincts have drawn comparisons to stars like Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, and those close to him believe he could already run an NHL power play. “What he can do—his shot, the way that he plays, the way he plays offensively—it’s elite,” said Flames GM Craig Conroy.watch this shift from zayne parekh, just pure and utter dominance. #flames pic.twitter.com/ucKPAhpaVo— zeke (@AverageFan_Z) March 14, 2025
While questions remain about his defensive game, those around Parekh insist he’s made meaningful progress. “He is a good defensive player,” said Spirit head coach Chris Lazary. “He’s done a really good job of pushing himself in that area.” Flames development staff have echoed that sentiment, pointing to improved gap control, better decisions under pressure, and a growing physical edge. With little left to prove at the junior level and no AHL eligibility next season, Parekh’s NHL debut feels not only likely—it feels imminent.If U were wondering what Zayne Parekh&Michael Misa thought about being left off team Canada@ the #WorldJuniors they showed u yesterdayFacing Ottawa (coached by Dave Cameron) they both went out of their way 2 stare down the 67's bench after scoring 👀#OHL #Flames #2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/z7ZjUqbxtM— @StingUpdates (@StingUpdates) January 27, 2025Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images ...
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