The first round of the NHL draft is underway. The Calgary Flames have selected the Saginaw Spirit defender, Zayne Parekh with their ninth overall pick in the first round.
Zayne Parekh Player Profile
Parekh lit up the OHL this past season leading all defenders in point production with 96 points. He’s been a highly touted prospect since his rookie season in the OHL, where he set the all-time rookie defencemen record for goals by a player aged 17 and under with 21 markers.
The young Nobleton, Ontario product is of Indian and South Korean heritage, so he will surely inspire generations to come. He is a dynamic puck-moving defender whose game shines with plenty of manipulation and deception that opens up shooting passing, and play options. Good creativity, vision, and shooting make him an offensive threat whenever he is on the ice.
His high-quality skating edges then combine with these offensive instincts to make him an even larger puck-moving, offence-first defender. In transition, he simply is a force of nature. He has stable enough defensive play that makes him an engaged, aware, and physical defender.
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Markham Majors U16AAA | GTHL U16 | 23 | 8 | 13 | 21 |
| 2022–23 | Saginaw Spirit | OHL | 50 | 21 | 16 | 37 |
| 2023–24 | Saginaw Spirit | OHL | 66 | 33 | 63 | 96 |
For more details on Parekh, here’s The Win Column’s full draft profile:
Analyzing the Flames’ pick
Parekh is a player who will likely be a top-end power play facilitator at the NHL. Parekh is an agile, creative defender who has a high point production likelihood at the NHL level. Refinements in risk assessment, poise, and defensive instincts particularly in the neutral zone will lead to even more success for the young player. The Flames do have a wealth of defenders in their system but none are as highly touted and with as much upside as Parekh.
What’s next for Parekh
The Flames have a difficult decision as the Parekh would undoubtedly excel in the OHL again next year, but could also make a case for a roster spot if he impresses Conroy and company enough.
