Zayne Parekh Not Participating in Flames Rookie Camp

A significant absence was noted on the Calgary Flames` 24-player rookie camp roster.

The club announced on Wednesday that Zayne Parekh, the highly-regarded defenseman chosen ninth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, will miss the forthcoming prospects training camp as a precautionary measure.

Flames General Manager Craig Conroy stated on Monday that the 19-year-old blueliner is `still addressing a summer injury but has been on the ice.` Conroy and the organization are optimistic that Parekh will be a full participant in the main camp, scheduled to start on September 18.

During the 2024-25 season, Parekh delivered an impressive performance for the OHL`s Saginaw Spirit, tallying 33 goals and 107 points in 61 games. He further contributed two goals and nine points in five playoff contests.

The Nobleton, Ontario native debuted in the NHL during the Flames` regular-season finale versus the Los Angeles Kings, where he also scored his inaugural career goal.

Despite Parekh`s absence, 24 other promising Flames youngsters will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities at the prospects camp, commencing on Thursday. Notably, the roster features forward Sam Honzek and defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz, both of whom had already made their NHL debuts with the team last season.

The camp schedule includes two exhibition games where Flames prospects will compete against their Oilers counterparts. The initial matchup will occur in Edmonton on Friday, followed by a rematch in Calgary on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the camp.