The Calgary Flames drafted defenseman Zayne Parekh with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday.
Zayne Parekh
Parekh just completed one of the best offensive seasons ever by a draft-eligible OHL defenseman.
His 33 goals and 96 points are the most by any OHL rearguard since 1990. Ryan Ellis is the only blue-liner to come close in that span, as he tallied 22 goals and 89 points in 56 contests in 2008-09.
Parekh earned CHL Defenseman of the Year honors and finished the season by winning the Memorial Cup with the hosting Saginaw Spirit.
The Nobleton, Ontario, native can look lackadaisical at times, but that's partially due to his style. He's become a bit of a pest, adding a chippy element to his game over the campaign.
Parekh's defensive limitations may frustrate future coaches, but his immense offensive potential could more than make up for that.
What they're saying
"If he can defend at a reasonable level in the NHL ... he's got star power offensively. He won't be for every team, but I'd pick him early without much hesitation and bet on the rare skill," The Athletic's Scott Wheeler wrote.
"There aren't many defensemen in the game that can score goals like Parekh has shown, which makes him an especially exciting prospect and at least gives him a chance to challenge for a top-pairing role at his peak," wrote FloHockey's Chris Peters.
"The big issue with Parekh is his play away from the puck. He gives half-efforts at times defensively and doesn't engage physically. I've seen worse defenders, though," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote.
