Heading into the 2025–26 season, one of the main topics of conversation surrounding the Calgary Flames was the possibility of Zayne Parekh’s first full season of hockey. Parekh’s debut in the final game of 2024–25 against the Los Angeles Kings. He scored his first goal and looked comfortable on professional ice.
The Flames were given a difficult situation with Parekh for this year. Parekh was way too good for the OHL, but it was questionable if he was NHL-ready, especially after a shaky preseason. However, Parekh doesn’t fit the requirements to be eligible to be sent down to the minors. Do you return him to learn nothing in the OHL or risk rushing him in the NHL? As we currently stand, Parekh has played 10 games in what is to be his first professional season of hockey. So, let’s take a look at his performance so far.
The base overview
Although Parekh has suited up for 10 games, the Flames have played 15. The first batch of scratches came in during the first two games of the season. More recently, Parekh was scratched for another two games in a row against the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators. Just last night, he sat out against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite receiving healthy scratches, Parekh’s performance with the Flames has been fine.
Throughout the 10 games so far, Parekh has scored only a singular assist, which came against the Winnipeg Jets on the power play. The lack of points isn’t necessarily a counter against Parekh, but more so towards the team’s offensive structure and deployment of him. The Flames are dead last in goals for per 60, fifth last in expected goals for per 60, and have the fourth-worst play. Not the best system for an offensively-minded defenceman. Playing 15:36 minutes on average a night, while never eclipsing 18 minutes in a night, doesn’t help either.
It’s not to say Parekh has been perfect. He has had his fair share of mess-ups, overdoing plays, or getting outmuscled. Nonetheless, he’s 19 years old and holding better than expected, I would say. Other than the system limiting his offence, it also feels it limits him from making mistakes. If he has an error, his ice time suddenly feels reduced with a potential risk of sitting out. With Parekh, you have to give confidence in him. He is his own biggest critic and is, for sure, a player who will know when he’s messed up. Also, as much as you’d like players to be flawless, a big part of Parekh’s game is practicing high-risk plays that usually pay off more than they hurt.
A deeper dive into his performance
Playing Parekh in a limited role has certainly had benefits. He’s not usually matched up against higher competition, which allows him to build a more defined game in the defensive zone, his biggest area of need. I don’t think Parekh has necessarily looked out of place on the defensive side of the game. Again, he’s had his moments of hiccups, but the positives outweigh the negatives.
Breaking down the numbers
Glancing over the numbers, it definitely tells that story. He ranks decently high in most of the basic defensive metrics. In terms of per 60 metrics at 5v5, 7th best in Corsi against, 9th best in goals against, and 8th best in high-danger chances against. He ranks top three for defencemen for all but Corsi, too. Another thing worth mentioning is that he ranks best in goals against per 60 for the whole team, even if it’s not my favourite stat.
The sheltered role certainly plays a part in the quality of these stats. Usually, someone playing against weaker competition will have an easier opportunity to post better numbers than someone up against the top opponents. You can also see it as an attestation that the best players on the Flames need to pick up the level of play. Parekh’s results are nice for a player who had big issues in the defensive end at the junior level. The numbers may also drop the second you put him against higher competition, but you can’t know until you try.
The offensive numbers are also solid in the per-60 metrics at 5v5. He ranks around the top 10 for most categories. However, the most noticeable to me were expected goals for and scoring chances for. For both of those statistics, Parekh sits inside the top 5. For expected goals, Parekh ranks 5th on the team and is 2nd for defencemen. In regards to scoring chances, a place at 2nd across the whole team and the best for defenceman is where he sits. While they aren’t perfect or super flashy numbers, statistics like these give a glimmer that he is still making an impact out there.
What’s next for Parekh?
With the two scratches before his 10th game, a good amount of chatter was generated. Mainly referring to what the Flames will do with Parekh moving forward. There was a conversation that the Flames could be looking to send him back to juniors, but with that 10th game played and the commitment the Flames made to him before the season began, that’s not happening. Another topic that was brought up was holding him out until he was eligible for an AHL conditioning stint. If he is healthy scratched for five games in a row, Parekh can be sent down for five games or 14 days, whichever happens first. Despite Parekh finding himself back in the lineup, the Flames may do this at some point this season. The ice time and opportunity alone would make it beneficial for Parekh.
The final idea that was brought up is that the Flames could loan Parekh to Team Canada for the World Juniors. I believe this is something that will happen and is beneficial for Parekh. Parekh has never played for Team Canada at the World Juniors, and now would be the best time. He’d very likely be the team’s best defenceman, getting reps on the first pair and first power play. An opportunity with an abundance of talent while playing against the best opposition of his age.
With everything considered, the most probable scenario for Parekh moving forward is that he’ll continue to get NHL reps. That is likely the best that the Flames can do, as it’s the most fitting level of eligibility for him to be suiting up at. A 5-game AHL conditioning stint could come soon, and he’ll likely be loaned to the World Juniors next month, but the majority of Parekh’s season will be inside the NHL.
A solid start for Parekh
Has Zayne Parekh’s start to his NHL career been perfect? No. Has it been horrendous? Also, no. Parekh has honestly had a steady beginning to his first full year of professional hockey. He has certainly had his hiccups—defensive miscues, being overwhelmed physically, and attempting to do too much. However, his overall play has been more positive than negative.
While not flawless defensively, he has held his own surprisingly well. Better than I was expecting. He also places high in team metrics. In terms of offence, the production isn’t quite there yet, but you can see the flashes. Parekh may have a few pit stops along the way, but it would be shocking for his year not to be finished out in the NHL.
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