Flames players not thrilled with Zayne Parekh’s recent remarks

Team Canada general manager Al Millar met with the media and noted that Parekh is a character, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He’s been great for Team Canada at the tournament, and he’s one point away from tying the tournament record for points from defensemen.

“Here’s what I can tell you: the Flames players are aware of it," Steinberg explained. "The coaching staff and management are aware of it as well. I think there’s a real understanding that we’re talking about a 19-year-old who has matured a lot over a short period of time. From what I understand after talking to a few people, his teammates aren’t upset with him. If anything, they’re going to give it back to him a little and say, ‘Hey, here’s why you don’t say something like that going forward.’ But it’s coming from a supportive place — he’s still their teammate, and they want to build him up.”

He added that the message is basically, ‘Maybe next time don’t say something like that, because it can get misconstrued.’ “But it’s not toxic or negative. It’s a learning opportunity.”

Is this just Parekh being immature?

“I don’t even love the word ‘immature’ here," Steinberg added. "I don’t think that’s accurate. If anything, it’s about being inexperienced — especially when it comes to media and the NHL, where things can get blown out of proportion quickly.” 

He noted that Parekh will probably learn that what he says is only amplified by social media.

This isn’t a situation where he’s being alienated. It’s just another learning moment for a 19-year-old navigating pro hockey.