The explosive young defender a signed three-year, entry-level contract this afternoon
This afternoon, the Calgary Flames announced the signing of defenseman Zayne Parekh to a three-year, entry-level contract worth $2.925 million.
The Flames drafted Parekh with the ninth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft after the young defender won the Memorial Cup with the Saginaw Spirit.
He is currently taking part in his first development camp in Calgary.
"I'm enjoying this Flames gear, I think it looks good on me and suits me well," said Parekh during a press conference at Calgary's development camp. "I'm glad the whole draft process is kind of over and I can start getting to work."
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No one should be shocked that Calgary worked quickly to sign Parekh to an entry-level contract.
The 2007-born defender scored a personal best 96 points this past season leading all defensemen in the CHL. He won not only the Max Kaminsky Trophy that is presented to the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman, but also the CHL Defenseman of the Year award.
Parekh is an elite offensive talent with a deadly accurate shot and above average vision. He is highly deceptive with the puck often faking out defenders prior to ripping a shot or moving the puck to wide open teammates.
His edges are very strong, allowing him to outmaneuver opponents.
The right-handed defender scored 33 goals this past season setting a Saginaw record for goals scored by a defenseman.
While some young players can struggle to maintain their scoring pace in the playoffs that was not the case for Parekh. In 13 playoff games, he scored two goals and added nine helpers for 11 points.
At the Memorial Cup he was equally effective, scoring one goal and four assists for a total of five points in five games.
The entry-level contract is a huge step towards Parekh's future in the NHL. It shows Calgary's commitment to making the young star part of their organization.
Though his offensive talent seems undeniable there are some areas of Parekh's game that still need improvement.
Some scouts have criticized Parekh's defensive play. At times he will give up body position in order to reach for pucks. He is not the most physical player, and he tends to use his stick to attempt to dislodge pucks rather than taking the body.
At 6'0 he is not small, but he certainly doesn't have the physical frame to impose his will on opponents.
Though he has managed to implement this style in the OHL some pundits worry that it will not translate to the NHL.
At the draft, Parekh stood by his style of play, saying that he is confident he can make it work in the NHL.
Calgary had a busy day in terms of signing prospects. 2024 first-round pick Matvei Gridin and 2023 second-round pick Etienne Morin both signed entry-level contracts as well.