The 2024 NHL Draft was one of the most anticipated in the history of the Calgary Flames organization, and with the No. 9 overall pick, the team landed Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh. The selection came with incredible excitement from Flames fan, as he immediately became the player in the organization with the highest potential, and even his mere presence in camp brought more optimism to Flames fans.
However, the jump from the CHL to the NHL training camp isn't one that everyone can make immediately after being drafted, and now the team have announced he will be heading back to the CHL and the Saginaw Spirit, leaving 6 goalies, 16 defenseman and 31 forwards remaining in training camp.
The #Flames has assigned defenceman Zayne Parekh to the Saginaw Spirit (OHL).
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 27, 2024
Calgary now has 6 goalies, 16 defencemen, and 31 forwards in camp.#Flames | @original16beer pic.twitter.com/iBKyTAbOlz
While Parekh flashed his incredible skating ability, his IQ and the speed he plays at, there was plenty that overwhelmed him during training camp, revealing during his outgoing interview that there was plenty of humbling moments that caused him to lack confidence at times.
Some revealing comments from Zayne Parekh now after he was sent back to junior. Used the word “humbling” a few times. Said at times he lacked confidence in camp and he had to be more physical, esp in d zone box out area.
— Salim Nadim Valji (@salimvalji) September 27, 2024
Against younger competition in Penticton, Parekh shined much more, but with such a huge learning curve in training camp, it was clear that while Parekh has the talent to be a star in the NHL one day, he's still got much to learn and several areas to improve upon. From all accounts, Parekh has impressed everyone on and off the ice over the past few weeks, and now that he's heading back to Saginaw, he has plenty more tools to grow as a player and a person.
Zayne Parekh, on 1st training camp
— Danny Austin (@DannyAustin_9) September 27, 2024
"When you play against such high calibre players and practice with pros, you see their habits and what they do daily ... you kind of understand how good these players are and how far away you are. I think I have a long way to go and I’m excited"
This certainly won't be the last the Flames see of Zayne Parekh, as he'll be back and even better after another season in the OHL, and with so many promising players growing in the organization, he's expected to be one of many cornerstones for the future of this team.