Flames select high-scoring defenceman Zayne Parekh in NHL Draft

The Calgary Flames added another piece to their rebuild by selecting defenceman Zayne Parekh with the ninth overall pick.

Parekh led all CHL defencemen with 33 goals, helping the Saginaw Spirit to a Memorial Cup championship. Along with his goal-scoring prowess, the 18-year-old racked up 63 assists on his way to a 96-point campaign.

He was named the OHL’s most outstanding defenceman for his standout 2023-24 season.

Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala had the blueliner ranked as the No. 7 player available in the draft.

“The best way I can describe Parekh is he’s a “rover” or “offenceman” (which isn’t actually a word or a position, but it’s the best I can come up with for a combination forward/defenceman). He’s a power-play quarterback, play driver and risk taker. A comparable is Erik Karlsson on projection. Parekh has to improve his detail defensively as he matures,” Bukala said about the six-foot tall defenceman.

A native of Nobleton, Ont., Parekh has spent the past two seasons with the Spirit, racking up 54 career goals and 133 points.

“It’s a great question,” Parekh said to Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek when asked about his game carrying over into the NHL. “I believe in the way I play, obviously, and I think it’s a translatable game. I’m not going through guys; I’m getting to open ice, skating out of ice and using give-and-goes to open up space for me.”

Parekh continued his strong play in the post-season, racking up 11 points in 13 games as Saginaw took home its first-ever Memorial Cup.

“A lot to deal with,” Parekh told Marek about his busy year. “Focused on the Memorial Cup and trying to win that. I’m so glad we did because I don’t know how I’d feel right now if we didn’t. But it’s been a whirlwind, honestly, and I’m glad we’re here now.”

The Flames aren’t done for the day. They will select again in the first round with the No. 28 pick.

Earlier in the draft, the Utah Hockey Club selected Tij Iginla, Jarome’s son, sixth overall, spoiling the hopes of a number of Flames’ fans.

The Ottawa Senators selected Calgary Hitmen defenceman Carter Yakemchuk at number seven. Yakemchuk scored 30 goals this past season in the WHL.