What are realistic expectations for Zayne Parekh this season?

The Calgary Flames will mostly look the same heading into the 2025-26 season, as the team hasn’t made any major moves this offseason. However, the team continues the commitment to get younger, and Zayne Parekh is one name the fanbase is eager to see in action.

The 2024 ninth overall pick is Calgary’s best prospect no doubt. He made his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings in the Flames’ final game of last season, where he scored his first career goal. With his dynamic skill set and high ceiling, it truly feels like the sky is the limit for him.

With training camp about a month away, expectations for Parekh are significant. Some have already pencilled him into the Flames’ opening night lineup, while others still need to see more. Either way, the excitement for this player is massive, but what would a successful season look like for the 19-year-old if he indeed makes the Flames’ roster?

What Parekh brings to the Flames

Parekh’s projections suggest that he’s going to be the premier top-four defenceman who specializes in offence. He’s the type of defenceman who thrives as a power-play quarterback, and the Flames could use an elite presence on their special teams.

The OHL has proven not to be a great enough challenge for Parekh at this stage. He had a historic season, putting up 107 points in 61 games with the Saginaw Spirit, and it’s time he attempts to make a jump into harder levels of hockey.

Unfortunately, due to CHL rules, Parekh can’t play in the AHL until he’s at least 20. So as of right now, it’s either the NHL or going back to Saginaw for another season. Parekh making the Flames’ roster will add that youthful burst of energy, and it would also sell tickets. Parekh would add an offensive presence on a blueline that doesn’t have many offensive options (assuming Rasmus Andersson is traded before training camp).

How Parekh will be utilized by the Flames

As much as I want Parekh to jump right into the top four, I don’t think that’s realistic right out of the gate. While Parekh is a blue-chip prospect, the Flames can’t risk his development by rushing to give him heavy minutes right away. With that being said, I do believe Parekh is NHL-ready, or at least he’s very close.

I think we see Parekh get bottom pairing minutes at first, just to get himself acclimated to NHL hockey. Depending on how he does in that role, the decision can be made regarding his spot in the lineup. However, if the Flames manage to trade Andersson before training camp, things could change.

Here’s how I see the Flames’ defence looking in both of these situations:

With Andersson still on the roster:

Bahl-Andersson

Hanley-Weegar

Bean-Parekh

Pachal/Solovyov OR Brzustewicz (extras)

With Andersson traded:

Hanley-Weegar

Bahl-Parekh

Bean-Pachal

Solovyov/Brzustewicz (extras)

If Andersson gets traded before opening night, I wouldn’t be surprised if Parekh sees top-four action quicker. I think the Flames will give him every chance to prove himself, especially on special teams where he thrives. But I think the more realistic scenario is that Parekh will initially play on the bottom pair to start things out, as I don’t see Andersson getting traded before camp.

It’s a shame that Parekh isn’t eligible for the AHL yet, as if he were to struggle, the Flames could simply send him to the Wranglers, where he’ll be playing more advanced hockey. I think the OHL is too easy for him for now, as there’s no point in dominating in Juniors for another year when you can make the jump towards pro hockey.

Realistic expectations from fans

Let’s say Parekh makes the team out of training camp; what would a realistic season look like for him? While expectations are somewhat high, many of us also have to come down to earth. Parekh could very well have a Calder-worthy rookie season, or he could struggle out of the gate. It ultimately depends on how well he performs in camp and what role the Flames give him for the majority of this season.

For me, my expectations aren’t outrageous just because I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment. There’s no doubt that Parekh has talent, but the Flames need to do their best to help him translate his game to the NHL. That means giving him the most opportunities he can get in order for him to build his confidence. The last thing fans want to see is Parekh eating popcorn in the press box.

As for points, I’m not expecting Parekh to have a 60-65 point season in his rookie year. Of course, it would be great if he did, but the Flames are also a team that lacks supporting talent. If he spends the entire season in Calgary, I think 40-50 points could be reasonable, assuming he stays healthy and gets opportunities. But of course, the talent suggests his ceiling is quite high, and maybe he shocks fans with how quickly he adjusts.

Either way, there are zero downsides to Parekh making the Flames’ opening night roster. He has the tools to become an elite NHL player, and the Flames cannot afford to mess up his development.