Zayne Parekh Set for Expanded Role in Calgary Flames' Final Stretch
Calgary Flames forward Zayne Parekh is poised to take on a more prominent role during the team's final two months of the season. After a season marked by various interruptions, Parekh now has an uninterrupted stretch of games to showcase his development and contribute significantly to the Flames' lineup.
Building Momentum Before the Break
Before the Olympic break, Parekh was already beginning to earn more power-play time and appeared increasingly comfortable playing at the NHL level. His performance showed noticeable improvement compared to his initial training camp appearance in September, where he first donned the Flames jersey at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
"It's good, we've got a good schedule in place and a plan in place for the next two months," Parekh explained. "From there, it's just about getting better and continuing to work on my game and grow in the small areas. It's trying to stay in every game and be consistent and go from there."
A Season of Development and Challenges
Parekh's rookie season has been anything but straightforward. The young forward has navigated multiple challenges while adapting to professional hockey:
- Played 13 games this season despite early injury setbacks
- Took on a starring role for Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship
- Completed a five-game conditioning stint with the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL
- Returned for two games with the Flames at the start of the month
All of this development has occurred under the intense scrutiny that accompanies being a ninth-overall draft pick in a passionate Canadian hockey market.
Coach's Perspective on Parekh's Progress
Flames head coach Ryan Huska has observed significant growth in Parekh's game throughout the season. "I think when a player knows where they're going to be, they can kind of settle down," Huska noted. "With Zayne, our challenge for him all year long has been to get better every day."
The coach highlighted several key experiences that have contributed to Parekh's development:
- Time with the Wranglers: Regained confidence playing against professional competition
- World Junior Championship: Established himself as a skilled offensive defenseman
- Recent games: Showed marked improvement compared to earlier performances
Looking Ahead to the Final 26 Games
The upcoming 26 games represent a crucial opportunity for Parekh to demonstrate his progress and solidify his place within the Flames organization. While his offensive production has been limited this season—with just one assist and no goals—the Flames have maintained realistic expectations for their young prospect.
"He's had to deal with some different things that I think are going to benefit him in the long run," Huska emphasized. The coach's comments suggest that Parekh's development has been more about foundational growth than immediate statistical output.
Calgary fans can expect to see significantly more of Parekh during these final two months than at any previous point this season. The uninterrupted schedule provides the consistency that both player and coaching staff believe will accelerate his development and allow him to showcase the skills that made him a top-ten draft selection.
