‘I feel like I belong’: Zayne Parekh coming into his own with Flames

Calgary Flames defenceman Zayne Parekh is demonstrating growing confidence and establishing himself at the NHL level in his second season. The 20-year-old blueliner has played a pivotal role in elevating the Flames' power play to fourth in the league through his creative movement and playmaking abilities. Parekh stated that after an uncertain and difficult rookie campaign, he now feels comfortable and believes he belongs in the NHL.

Flames head coach Ryan Huska praised Parekh's improving game management and ability to pick his spots offensively, comparing his developmental path to that of Quinn Hughes. Despite Calgary's recent 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, where Parekh recorded two assists, team leadership views the ninth-overall 2024 draft pick as a full-time NHL difference-maker.