Flames call up Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh

The Calgary Flames are turning to one of their top young talents as they fight to stay in the playoff race.

On Tuesday, the team called up 19-year-old defenceman Zayne Parekh from the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit following the club’s First Round playoff exit. Parekh had a standout season in Saginaw, racking up 107 points (33 goals, 74 assists) over 61 regular season games. He also led the Spirit in playoff scoring, posting nine points (2 goals, 7 assists) in five post-season matchups. Last season, he was crowned a 2024 Memorial Cup champion after helping Saginaw capture the title on home ice. Originally selected 19th overall by Saginaw in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, the Nobleton, Ont. native has totaled 240 points (87 goals, 153 assists) in 177 career OHL games across three seasons.

Named both the 2024 OHL and CHL Defenceman of the Year, becoming the first Saginaw Spirit player to receive these honors, Parekh was selected ninth overall by Calgary in last year’s NHL Draft.

ZAYNE!!

We've recalled defenceman Zayne Parekh from the OHL's Saginaw Spirit!#Flames | @original16beer pic.twitter.com/M1EXrA8Xhf

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 8, 2025

With 87 points through 77 games, the Flames are four points out of a wild-card spot and could see Parekh make his NHL debut Wednesday in Anaheim.

"Just excited to be around the guys and learn."

Zayne Parekh checked in with #Flames TV to talk about his season in Saginaw and on being called up! pic.twitter.com/K47zPZIgE6

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 8, 2025