Scout’s Analysis: The special, sky-high potential of Zayne Parekh
The Calgary Flames called up defence prospect Zayne Parekh this week, but how ready is he for the NHL? Scout Jason Bukala breaks down Parekh’s game and writes about how he’s not your standard prospect.
Once in a while — though more often in recent years — a prospect arrives in the NHL and immediately presents a skill set that stands out from the crowd.
It was a safe bet to assume Vancouver defenceman Quinn Hughes was going to impact the game right away with his skating, vision and overall skill from the moment the Canucks selected him seventh overall in 2018. Some teams questioned if Lane Hutson’s size (5-foot-9, 162 pounds) would hold him back from impacting the NHL game, but it’s safe to say his offensive upside is already proving any doubters wrong in his rookie season. He’s a Calder Trophy candidate who has already contributed six goals and 58 assists in 78 games.
Which brings me to Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh, who the team selected ninth overall at the 2024 NHL Draft. I personally had Parekh ranked as the seventh-best prospect in his draft class. It’s too early to know for certain, but based on the year Parekh had at the OHL level with the Saginaw Spirit there’s a real chance he would get selected much higher in a re-draft today. He’s a 6-foot, 185-pound, right-shot, transitional defenceman and power play quarterback.
With Parekh’s OHL season coming to an end last weekend, the Flames called him up to the NHL team on Tuesday, though he hasn’t played in a game yet and may not until the Flames are officially eliminated from playoff contention. But would it be wise for them to introduce him to the lineup in the middle of their playoff push for a must-win game against Minnesota on Friday? Is he ready to defend at this level, or could he add an extra layer of offensive punch to make a difference?
Here’s a look at Zayne Parekh and what he projects to provide the Flames organization moving forward:
Think of him as an ‘offenceman’ more than a defenceman
Don’t waste too much time trying to look up the definition of the word ‘offenceman’ because I’m positive it’s not found in the dictionary, but it’s the best way to convey his game. Parekh plays like no other defence prospect in the world. He’s always in motion, floating around the offensive zone, looking to expose seams and create chances for his group.
He’s equally comfortable leading the rush with the puck on his stick or joining as an extra layer. Parekh plays the game like he’s a fourth forward and he’s been blessed with elite offensive hockey sense. He has a unique skill set that can be nurtured, not taught.
Parekh had an incredible season at the OHL level with the Saginaw Spirit. He averaged over 26 minutes of ice time per game, with the bulk of his shifts coming at even strength and the power play. Parekh contributed 33G-74A in the regular season and followed it up with 2G-7A in Saginaw’s five playoff games. He became the first OHL defenceman since Bobby Orr to pot more than 30 goals in consecutive seasons.
Here’s an example of the kind of escapability and playmaking Parekh can provide the Flames in the future:
Considering the fact he scored 35 total goals this season, I would be doing Parekh a disservice if I didn’t highlight his ability to convert scoring chances.
Parekh doesn’t have the heaviest shot, but he’s efficient and calculating when directing pucks on net. He has the sneaky ability to shoot the puck through or around opponents who attempt to front him defensively. When he finds quiet ice, or an open shooting lane, pucks are on and off his stick in a flash.
What about his defending?
The Flames understand what they have in Parekh. They recognize his elite offensive skill set and ability to change the momentum of a game with his playmaking. Out of Parekh’s 33 regular season goals this season, only eight were scored with the man advantage. He contributed 24 goals at even strength and had one shorthanded tuck.
NHL player development departments are tasked with allowing top prospects to continue to evolve in their elite skill categories, while also coaching the player to understand how they need to improve in other key aspects of the game. In this case, the Flames will definitely want Parekh to play “free” offensively, but they also need him to button things up defensively on a consistent basis.
Parekh will never be a “match-up defender” tasked with checking top six opponents. He will eventually be paired with a shutdown partner at the NHL level who allows him to play to his strengths while providing at least average detail defensively.
On balance I’ve been impressed with how Parekh has evolved defensively this year. He’s definitely more engaged on that side of the puck. Having said that, there’s still work to do. Here’s an example of Parekh “surfing” up the half-wall in his zone and losing his check in the process:
Conversely, here’s an example of what I’ve seen from Parekh more often than not as he improves defensively. In the following clip he reads how the play is developing, fronts the shooter in his zone for the shot block and quickly transitions the sequence up ice offensively:
Is Zayne Parekh ready for prime time?
The Calgary Flames have struggled to score goals this year. In that respect, Parekh has the potential to add an extra layer of offence to the team immediately. I have thought about a scenario where Parekh enters the Flames’ roster down the stretch and finds himself being deployed as a power play specialist for now.
But for now, my conclusion is that Parekh is best served to be around the pro group to soak in as much of the playoff drive preparation as possible, but not enter the lineup until the Flames are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
It’s definitely tempting to think how he could potentially assist with pushing the Flames across the line and into the playoffs, but don’t underestimate how massive of a jump it is from junior hockey to an NHL playoff race. The Flames are essentially in a playoff game every night right now and their current group of players have earned the right to finish the job.
For as much as Parekh might chip in offensively, he could also end up being exposed defensively and that scenario could have a lasting impact on his psyche and dull his confidence and growth as a young prospect. Parekh is a special prospect who doesn’t need to be rushed.
