Flames' Rookie Phenom Zayne Parekh Ready for Prime Time
Any time a young defenceman gets mentioned in the same breath as Bobby Orr, the hockey world takes notice. For Parekh, it's not just talk—it's backed by record-breaking numbers, dazzling offensive instincts, and a resume that has already turned heads at the NHL level.
The Flames selected Parekh ninth overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, and wasted little time locking him up with an entry-level contract on July 5, 2024. Now, at just 19 years old, the Nobleton, Ontario, native is poised to make his mark in Calgary—and across the league.
Parekh was electric during his time with the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League, rewriting the franchise record books with a 33-goal, 96-point campaign over 66 regular-season games in 2023-24.
He followed that up with a jaw-dropping 33 goals and 74 assists for 107 points, with a plus-42 ranking in 61 games last season. In doing so, Parekh joined the legendary Bobby Orr as the only defencemen in OHL/OHA history to post multiple 30-goal seasons.
His dominance earned him the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenceman in 2024 and received 2024 CHL Defenceman of the Year honours, solidifying his reputation as one of the most gifted offensive blueliners in recent memory.
The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) on X The regular NHL season schedule is out, with Marner set to return to Toronto on January 23, 2026. THN Hosts @Michael_Traikos, @katie_gaus , and @THNRyanKennedy debate Toronto's reception of Marner after being traded to Vegas, the latest NHL news, and more on the newest episode
The real question now: How will it translate to the NHL?
If his brief debut last season is any indication, Flames fans have plenty to be excited about. Parekh suited up for Calgary in a late-season matchup against the Los Angeles Kings and didn't disappoint—scoring his first NHL goal and finishing with a plus-3 rating.
Heading into the 2025–26 campaign, NHL.com has Parekh slotted at No. 7 in its Top 10 Rookie Rankings.
With elite vision, an innate sense for offence, and a poise well beyond his years, Parekh is set to become a key part of Calgary's rebuild—and quite possibly its future star on the blueline.
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